
(bpyriglit'N?. 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 






HOW TO MEET THEM 




SPANISH INFLUENZA 
PNEUMONIA 
COMMON COLDS 
TUBERCULOSIS 
THE CANCER PERIL 
CHILDREN'S DISEASES 
DISEASE PREVENTION 
A CLEAN BODY 
HOME TREATMENTS 
THE SICKROOM 






^fc 



MONTH §X MONTH 
HEALTH SERVICE 

in mini limn minium mi urn illinium mi urn mmmimiiimimmmimmiiimimmimm 



<I You must live — eat, sleep, work, exer- 
cise — twelve months in the year. 

<I You want good health every day during 
the twelve months. 

q LIFE AND HEALTH, a health maga- 
zine published monthly, will help you, be- 
cause 

It will tell you how to live to keep 
well. 

It will tell you how to treat the 
more common ailments. 

It will tell you the best foods to eat, 
and how to prepare them. 

It will tell you how to live better 
and more economically. 

It conducts a health question-and- 
answer department, valued 
highly by its readers. 

fl This service costs but $1.00 a year. 
Order today. 

iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii 



LIFE and HEALTH 

TAKOMA PARK, WASHINGTON, D. C. 






EPIDEMICS 

How to Meet Them 




THE GREAT PHYSICIAN 

' The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the 

deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel 

preached to them." Matt. 11: 5. 



EPIDEMICS 

How to Meet Them 



Contributed and Edited by 

Loins A. Hansen 
George H. Heald, M. D. 
Daniel H. Kress, M. D. 
Wells A. Ruble, M. D. 
Martin M. Martinson, M. D. 



REVIEW AND HERALD PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION 
Washington, D. C. 

NEW YORK CITY SOUTH BEND, IND. 






CONTENTS 



^l '" "" 



Spanish Influenza ----- 7 

Influenza and Its Treatment - - 15 
Common Colds - 29 

Tuberculosis : Its Prevention and Treat- 
ment ------- 41 

The Cancer Peril 55 

Children's Diseases - - - - 61 

Prevention of Disease 79 

A Clean Body ------ 87 

Home Treatments 97 

In the Sick-Room - - - - 117 

The Laws of Health - 127 



Copyright, 1919 

.Review and Herald Publishing Association 

Washington, D. C. 



©CU536151 




! if we would have health, we must live for it." 



FOREWORD 



SPANISH influenza is not a thing of the past. Judging from the his- 
tory of such epidemics, this latest and most violent of plagues may 
be expected to return frequently for several years. Col. Victor C. 
Vaughan, M. D., an ex-president of the American Medical Association, at 
a meeting of the American Public Health Association, said : 

"We are going to have influenza with us; it is not going to disappear 
very soon. I do not want to be a pessimist; I am always an optimist. 
The second year of the epidemic of 1 899 showed more deaths from influ- 
enza than the first year, and we are going to have the influenza epidemic 
for some time to come." 

The appearance of Spanish influenza in 1918 was of so violent a char- 
acter as to arouse the people of all lands to the most active efforts in com- 
bating its progress. It is said that during the first three months its toll of 
human life was almost if not quite equal to the fatalities in battle during 
the entire four years of the Great War. 

The publishers of this little book desire to join their fellow men in the 
fight against these enemies of mankind. It is not published for profit, 
but to give to as many as possible some practical help in time of need. 
Men and women of all communities, therefore, are invited to join in the 
effort to place this useful book in every home in our land; for it is confi- 
dently believed that an intelligent knowledge of how to meet these epi- 
demics will save for future usefulness the lives of many, besides preventing 
much needless suffering and sorrow. 

THE PUBLISHERS 




' Health is nature's reward for conformity to her laws." 



SPANISH INFLUENZA 

Never in the history of the world, perhaps, has there 
been an epidemic disease that has been more extensive, 
that has traveled with greater rapidity, or that has, 
during so brief a period, been more disastrous in its 
results, than the disease to which the name Spanish 
influenza has been given. It first made its appearance in 
Spain, thence it spread quickly to other parts of Europe, 
including Great Britain, and then took a bound across 
the Atlantic. Beginning its destructive work on this con- 
tinent in the city of Boston, it spread with remarkable 
rapidity throughout the United States and Canada, 
exacting a toll of human life heretofore unheard of in 
these countries in so short a time. 

More Destructive than the Great War 

The terrible World War which began in 1914 was 
regarded as the greatest destroyer of human life ever 
known, 7,354,000 men in the prime of life being sacri- 
ficed on the field of battle during the four and one-half 

7 



8 Epidemics: How to Meet Them 

years of its continuance. No slaughter like it had ever 
before been witnessed, and yet the epidemic of influenza, 
which made its appearance near the close of the war, 
was responsible for almost if not quite as many deaths 
in less than four months' time. In the whole world not 
less than six million persons perished from influenza 
and its complications during the short space of about 
three months. Some reports place the number a great 
deal higher, claiming that in India alone there were six 
million deaths from influenza. 

In some of our American cities whole families were 
wiped out. In describing the havoc wrought at the can- 
tonments of America, Dr. Victor C. Vaughan said : 

" I went to Camp Devens as soon as the epidemic was reported, 
and I might say that I thought my eyes would never see such horror 
as I saw there. I went through the Spanish-American War; I saw 
thousands and thousands of cases of typhoid fever, but I never had 
anything so depress me as the conditions that existed at Camp 
Devens." 

Many sections of the United States have had more 

than one visitation of the epidemic, in some instances the 

second or third being more severe than the first. This 

has been true also of other countries. Switzerland had 

two distinct waves. The United States Public Health 

Reports for April 14, 1919, after giving figures showing 

the monthly totals of cases, said: 

"Here we see again, as was the case in England, two distinct 
waves, one with its crest in July, the other with its crest in October. 
The occurrence of these waves in practically all parts of the world 
where the pandemic prevailed, is most puzzling. It is difficult to 
conceive of any external, i. e., environmental, influence acting so 
uniformly throughout the world; and that the virus should every- 
where show these peculiar variations in infectivity and virulence is 
certainly most remarkable." 

The same publication, of April 4, 1919, reported a 
third wave of influenza hitting England. Thus it is seen 
that we cannot be sure as to just when the danger from 
it is over. 



Spanish Influenza 9 

In United States Public Health Reports for August, 

1919, Surgeon W. H. Frost, M. D., gave this additional 

caution : 

" It seems probable that we may expect at least local recurrences 
[of influenza] in the near future, with an increase over the normal 
mortality from pneumonia for perhaps several years; and certainly 
we should be, as far as possible, prepared to meet them by previous 
organization of forces and measures for attempted prevention, treat- 
ment, and scientific investigation." 

Other Epidemics Coming 

The great European war is at an end, for a time at 
least, but the germs of influenza have not yet surren- 
dered. Other epidemics are likely to occur, the severity 
of which will, in all probability, be much greater. The 
recent epidemic came on the heels of the war and food 
shortage, when the vitality of the human race was at a 
low ebb. War, famine, and pestilence are always asso- 
ciated. One follows the other in the order named. 

Science has made remarkable strides during the past 

century. The diseases which proved such a scourge in 

the past have been practically eliminated. It would be 

considered a disgrace to any civilized community to have 

an epidemic of smallpox, cholera, or yellow fever. We 

pride ourselves upon our success in eradicating these 

diseases. So hopeful have some been of the future that 

a Western editor said: 

" If science continues to advance in her efforts as it has during 
the past few decades, the time will come when undertakers will be 
compelled to move to a sicklier planet in order to carry forward 
their business." 

But just as we feel we have made the world secure 
from epidemic diseases, the greatest epidemic the world 
has ever seen makes its appearance, and before it we 
stand as helpless as did the people of two centuries ago 
before the epidemics of their day. 

The same security was felt in regard to a world 
war. Just before the war broke out, a large body of 




ILLINOIS STATE BOAR D of HEALTH- CARTOON N*56 



IGNORANCE IS MORE DESTRUCTIVE THAN WAR 



10 



Spanish Influenza 11 

influential people from all parts of the world were as- 
sembled in Europe discussing peace problems. They 
voiced the general feeling of the people everywhere at 
that time, when they reasoned, as stated by one of the 
members : 

" A great war, a world war, is absurd. It is unthinkable. It is 
impossible." 

While they were discussing these matters, the war 
broke out, and the peace conference " came to an abrupt 
end." An ancient seer, looking forward to this time, 
exclaimed, 

"We looked for peace, but no good came; and for a time of 
health, and behold trouble." Jer. 8: 15. 

Biblical Forecast 

The apostle Paul, referring to this same period in the 
world's history, declared: 

"When they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruc- 
tion cometh upon them, . . .and they shall not escape." 1 Thess. 
5: 3. 

Jesus, in answer to the question, " What shall be the 
sign of Thy coming, and of the end of the world? " re- 
plied, 

" Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: 
and there shall be famines, and pestilences. . . . All these are the 
beginning of sorrows." Matt. 24: 3-8. 

These wars, famines, and pestilences, horrible as 
they have been, He said, are merely " the beginning of 
sorrows " that will not end until He comes again. This 
is not a promising outlook from the world's viewpoint. 
While the outlook is bad, very bad, the uplook is good, 
very good. Referring to this time when there was to 
be " distress of nations, with perplexity/' " men's hearts 
failing them for fear, and for looking after those things 
which are coming on the earth," Jesus said, 



12 Epidemics: How to Meet Them 

" When these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift 
up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." Luke 21: 25-28. 

That we are in the very midst of these things no one 
can doubt. Clemenceau said, 

"It is a mistake to say the war is over; there is merely a lull 
in the storm." 

This statement harmonizes with the prediction of 
Christ. We may look for more war, more famine, more 
pestilence. 

Cause Leads to Effect 

The epidemic of Spanish influenza had its origin 
among the poorly fed peoples of Europe. Lowered vi- 
tality, resulting from the scarcity of food, paved the way 
for the epidemic. It prepared the body soil for the 
seeds of disease. No doubt the prevalent use of cig- 
arettes in the cantonments of America had much the 
same influence upon the young men who were housed 
there. The mortality was twice as great among them as 
among the civilian population of the same age, namely, 
from twenty to thirty-five years. 

Any practice, whatever it may be, that impairs the 
health and lowers vital resistance, paves the way for 
sickness and death. So long as these predisposing 
causes exist, we cannot hope for an abatement of epi- 
demic diseases. 

Wrong Habits Invite Epidemics 

The chief factor in the prevention of epidemic dis- 
eases is the building up of the barriers of body de- 
fense against invading germs, whatever they may be. 
The fact is that for years the people of the world have 
been preparing the way for the influenza epidemic. It 
is well known that many of the habits of men and women 
have not been conducive to health. Heretofore, epidemics 
have weeded out the physically weak, those of lowered 



Spanish Influenza 13 

bodily resistance. As the causes of epidemics have been 
ascertained, every precaution has been taken to prevent 
the spread of the germs, or seeds, of disease. By doing 
this we have kept alive the vitally weak, who before 
were weeded out; and these have married and inter- 
married, and have produced their kind. The result has 
been that the vitality of the race as a whole has been 
weakened. 

We know something about the long list of epidemic 
diseases of the past, but Spanish influenza is a disease 
that has so far baffled modern science. We know little 
or nothing about its origin or cause, and hence we stand 
before it as helpless as did the people of two centuries 
ago before smallpox, cholera, yellow fever, the plague, 
and other epidemics. Dr. Victor C. Vaughan said: 

" If I were asked to define influenza, I should say it is a dis- 
ease of unknown origin." " So far as the prevention of the respi- 
ratory diseases is concerned, we do not know anything more than our 
ancestors knew a hundred years ago, and we may as well admit it. 
I say that in the face of the greatest pestilence that has ever struck 
our country, we are just as ignorant as the Florentines were with 
the plague described in history." 

In summing up the discussion of members of the 
Public Health Association at the meeting held in Chi- 
cago, the editor of the Journal of the American Medical 
Association said: 

" The discussions relative to the etiology [general and specific 
cause] of the present epidemic resolve themselves into the belief that 
the actual cause is as yet unknown." 




© Keystone View Co. 



THE AMERICAN RED CROSS NURSE 



Ability to minister to the sick tenderly and intelligently is one of the most 
beautiful accomplishments of women. 



14 




* The care of the sick is one of the first items in the program of Christianity." 



INFLUENZA AND ITS TREATMENT 

Diseases are classified as infectious and noninfec- 
tious. An infectious disease is one in which there is 
present some causative agent that can be transferred 
from one person to another. That agent causes the dis- 
ease. The agent in most infectious diseases has been dis- 
covered, and in many cases it is called a germ. Among 
diseases thus transmitted are tuberculosis, diphtheria, 
and anthrax. These diseases are caused by organisms 
that can be plainly seen under the microscope. Some of 
the diseases, the germs of which have not yet been seen, 
are smallpox, measles, and influenza. 

Noninfectious diseases are those that are not caused 
by germs, so far as is now known, but by poisoning, 
degeneration, or injury, as from heat, cold, etc. Bright's 
disease, diabetes, and many nervous diseases come under 
this head. 

Contagious diseases are those that are transmitted 
by personal contact with those having the disease, — 

15 



16 Epidemics: How to Meet Them 

touching the diseased person. This term is fast going 
out of use, all communicable diseases now being de- 
scribed as infectious. 

The infectious diseases are all quite similar in their 
symptoms. When attacked by germs, the body puts up 
a fight against them by raising the temperature, modi- 
fying the respiration, suspending the desire for food, 
diminishing or increasing the perspiration, etc. 

Treatment in these cases consists largely in aiding 
nature in its efforts to combat the disease. Sometimes 
it is necessary to lessen the activities of the body, as 
when in the effort to overcome the intruder a too high 
body temperature is produced in burning up the poisons 
of the germs and in checking their increase and viru- 
lence. This may be the most important part of ,the 
treatment. 

Influenza an Infectious Disease 

Because of the recent outbreak of influenza, it will be 
well to let this disease stand as a type of infectious dis- 
eases, and to consider it in that light. It is one of those 
infections in which, as already stated, the causative agent 
has not yet been absolutely discovered. The disease 
is, however, probably contracted through the respiratory 
tract, by breathing in the infection from others. This 
is intimated by the fact that nurses who wear masks 
do not so frequently contract the disease as those who 
are careless in this matter; also by the fact that a 
crowded condition, as in theaters, tenements, etc., seems 
to increase liability to the disease. It also shows the 
necessity of refraining from coughing and sneezing in 
public, unless the mouth and nose are well covered. 

In homes and workrooms where two or more persons 
are together there should be free ventilation. People 
should remain as much as possible in the open air, in- 
stead of in closed rooms. 



TYPHOID GERM 



TUBERCULOSIS GERM HOOK-WORM 





/ X 

YELLOW FEVER MOSQUITO MALARIAL. FEVER MOSQUITO COMMON FLY 





IMPURE WATER 



POOP ENVIRONMENT 



DISEASE CARRIERS 



17 



18 Epidemics: How to Meet Them 

While the disease attacks old and young, it seems to 
affect young adults especially. It attacks both the strong 
and the feeble, but in many cases seems to show pref- 
erence for the young and physically strong, a feature 
which has puzzled medical men not a little. But what- 
ever the reasons, the fact is that in the recent epidemic 
in this country those well past the meridian of life 
enjoyed comparative immunity. 

Some Precautions 

For the care of one taken down with influenza, the 
best-ventilated room should be selected, with a southern 
exposure if possible, preferably an upstairs room, and 
separated as much as possible from the rest of the house. 
Sufficient bedding should be provided, especially warm 
blankets. Attendance upon the sick should, if possible, 
be limited to one member of the family. 

Outside of the room, in a convenient place, a mask 
should be kept, which should be placed over the nose and 
mouth before entering the room, and be left on during 
all the time attention is being given to the patient. If 
the mask is too closely woven, it is of no benefit, since the 
air will be drawn in between the mask and the face. 
On the other hand, if the mask is too thin and loosely 
woven, it will afford no protection. About six layers of 
ordinary cheesecloth, wet perhaps with a little antiseptic 
solution, makes the best mask. Breathing through this 
medicated gauze seems to give some degree of pro- 
tection. 

After a patient has recovered from influenza, the best 
way to disinfect his room is to open the windows, air all 
the bedding, and allow a free circulation of cold air 
through the room for several hours. Any room used by 
the patient during his illness should be thoroughly aired. 

Too much care cannot be taken by those desiring to 
escape this disease, to avoid mingling with crowds. The 



THE FACE MASK 

How to Make a Mask 

Use four to six layers of fine mesh gauze, or six to eight layers of coarse 
gauze, or three layers of butter cloth, 5 by 8 inches in size. Sew these together 
at the edges, and attach a tape 8 inches long to each of the four corners, as 




shown in the illustration. Stitch a bit of colored worsted or tape on the side 
which is always to be kept outermost when wearing the mask. 






How to Wear the Mask 

As shown in the illustration, the mask should be applied over the nose, 
mouth, and chin, and tied firmly by means of the four tapes, the upper two 
passing above and the lower two below the ears. It is very important that 

the upper margin should be 
drawn tightly over the bridge of 
the nose, just below the eyes. 
Always wear the marked side 
outermost. 

Precaution 

It is necessary that these 
masks be kept clean at all times. 
They must not be handled after 
they are tied on. 

When not used in the sick- 
room, remove at convenient 
times for airing and drying in 
the sun, if possible. They should 
also be sterilized by boiling or 
disinfecting at convenient inter- 
vals. 

The masks should be put on 
before entering the sick-room, 
should not be handled after be- 
ing tied on, and must be boiled 
at least five minutes, and thor- 
oughly dried every time they are 
taken off. It is advisable to 
have two masks, so that while 
one is in use the other can be 
sterilized, disinfected, and dried. 
Do not depend too much upon 
the mask for protection. While 
its use affords a measure of protection against inhaling disease germs, it must 
be remembered that there are many other ways by which the germs may be 
transmitted from one person to another. Soiled hands, common drinking cups, 
improperly cleaned eating and drinking utensils in the home, in restaurants, 
and at soda fountains, roller towels, etc., are some of the many means of infec- 
tion. These must all be carefully guarded against. 




19 



20 Epidemics: How to Meet Them 

out-of-door life has thus far afforded the greatest pro- 
tection, whereas close housing has proved to be the most 
fruitful source of infection. Avoid the use, so far as 
possible, of public facilities, such as telephones, drinking 
fountains, public conveyances, etc. 

Early Diagnosis 

Most persons have influenza one or two days before 
they or their friends recognize the fact. The fever often 
reaches 100° or 101° F. before the patient feels the 
severity of the ache or pain that accompanies it. A 
slight rise in temperature is often the first symptom, 
which may be noted by some congestion of the eyes and 
a flush on the face. Often there is a slight headache 
and more or less nausea, with fever ranging from 
101° to 104°. It is exceptional for the fever to run up 
to 104.5° or 105°. Such high temperature is always the 
result of poor elimination, and calls for heroic elimina- 
tive treatment. Constipation rather than diarrhea is 
met with in most cases. 

Symptoms 

The symptoms are not different from those of a com- 
mon cold. They are, generally: a chilly sensation; tired 
feeling, lameness, sore feelings all over the body; pain 
in back, legs, and arms; cold in the head; sneezing; red 
eyes that water freely; loss of appetite; probably con- 
stipation ; and rapidly rising temperature. One symptom 
of the disease mentioned by some writers is an enlarge- 
ment of the tongue, which appears straight and full, 
and often shows marks of pressure against the teeth. 

Treatment 

Great care must be taken at all times to protect the 
patient from exposure. Put him to bed at once and 
keep well covered. Give a cathartic or an enema. Drink 
freely of water and hot, slightly sweetened lemonade. 



Influenza and Its Treatment 21 

He should not leave the room, and preferably not the bed, 
for any reason until two or three days after the tem- 
perature becomes normal. This is a necessary precau- 
tion against the danger of heart failure or pneumonia. 
Many lives have been lost through disregard of this 
reasonable precaution. 

In another section, " Home Treatments " (pages 97 
to 115), are given directions for using the various water 
treatments referred to here. They may be administered 
by any careful person of average intelligence. It is to 
be understood, of course, that such instruction is not 
supposed to take the place of the physician's care and 
advice. A doctor should be secured, if possible, when- 
ever conditions are serious. 

Hydrotherapy, or water treatment, has proved to be 
the very best remedy for this disease. It must be given 
with great care, however, in order not to expose the 
patient unduly. Fomentations to the spine and a hot 
foot bath in bed are best. If there is a cough or a cold 
in the head and throat, fomentations may be given to 
the throat, chest, and face. Follow this treatment by 
sponging with cool water, alcohol, or witch-hazel under 
the bedclothes. Keep the room fairly warm, 68° to 72°, 
with good ventilation. 

In case of high temperature, — that is, above 103°, — 
use sponging (pages 113, 114), or a pack (pages 103- 
105), or the cool enema (pages 106-108). Drugs, except 
mild cathartics, are of little use. Keep cold on the head 
when giving fomentations and when the temperature is 
high. If there is pain in the head, especially in the eyes 
and nose, it may be relieved by alternate hot and cold 
applications, or fomentations and cold compresses. 

If the pulse beat is above 100 a minute, use a dry ice- 
bag, with a towel under it, to the heart, for ten minutes 
every three hours. Be sure to keep the bowels active. 
Secure a movement twice a day by enema or cathartic, 



22 Epidemics: How to Meet Them 

if they do not move naturally. Keep the mouth clean 
by using a saturated solution of boracic acid as a mouth 
wash two or three times daily. A " saturated solution " 
is as much as the water will dissolve. 

It is most important that the patient remain indoors, 
preferably in bed, for a few days after the temperature 
is normal. A safe plan is to remain in bed as many 
days after the temperature is normal, — morning", noon, 
and night, — as one has had fever. The temperature, 
not the patient's feelings, should be the guide. Even 
after that he should be careful to avoid exposure or over- 
exertion. Exposure is likely to cause a relapse followed 
by pneumonia, while overexertion may result in serious 
heart trouble, or even in death from heart failure. 

Food for Influenza Patients 

Give frequently weak lemonade containing a very 
little sugar. A soft nutritive diet of milk, malted milk, 
milk toast, fruit eggnog (without alcohol), soft eggs, 
mashed potato with cream, gluten gruel, fruit juices, 
or stewed apples and pears, well masticated, is the best 
for this condition. 

Complications 

Vital statistics show that by far the larger number of 
deaths following Spanish influenza were due, not directly 
to the influenza, but to complications induced by it, and 
in many cases these complications might easily have been 
prevented by proper treatment and reasonable precau- 
tions. The most common and fatal of these complica- 
tions are pneumonia, heart failure, and tuberculosis. 

Pneumonia 

Pneumonia may be either lobular (scattered over 
small consolidated areas), or lobar (concentrated in a 
large single area involving one or more lobes of the 



Influenza and Its Treatment 23 

lungs) . More than half of those who contract pneumo- 
nia with influenza die. This shows the severity of the 
disease. Exposure during or soon after influenza is 
almost certain to result in pneumonia. Therefore, avoid 
exposure. 

Pneumonia is usually indicated by a chill, rapid 
breathing, and a sudden rise of temperature. The pa- 
tient prefers to lie on the side that is most involved. A 
grunting sound usually accompanies each expiration, and 
streaks of blood are sometimes seen in the sputum 
(spittle). The severer cases of lobar pneumonia run 
from seven to nine days, then the temperature drops 
quite suddenly. This marks the crisis of the disease. 

Ordinarily, treatment seems to be of very little avail 
when pneumonia has set in. The following are the 
most effective measures: 

Hot hip and leg packs ; fomentations to the chest and 
back, followed by cold compresses ; inhalations of menthol 
vapor from crystals sprinkled on the surface of a pot of 
boiling water; inhalations of vapor of eucalyptus oil 
prepared in the same way as menthol; inunctions of 25 
per cent eucalyptus oil in olive oil or albolene rubbed 
on the chest and back; ice bag over heart ten minutes 
every two hours, or more frequently if necessary. If 
the skin is moist, sponge with cool water, alcohol, or 
witch-hazel if the temperature is above 103° ; if the skin 
is dry and the patient chilly, use very hot water for 
sponging. As light covering as is comfortable to the 
patient may be used when there is fever. Keep the 
bowels open with laxatives or enemas. 

The influenza or pneumonia patient must be kept 
from contact with other persons as a preventive against 
the spread of the disease. Nurses and those attending 
these cases should wear masks and cover-all aprons when 
with the patient, which can be removed when they are 
not directly on duty. 



24 Epidemics: Hoiv to Meet Them 

The ventilation of the room is very important. An 
equable temperature should be maintained. After the 
recovery of the patient, all clothing and bedding which 
has been exposed to the infection should be thoroughly 
aired and exposed to sunlight for several hours, or in bad 
weather to a degree of heat sufficient to destroy all dis- 
ease germs. Thin articles, such as sheets, blankets, etc., 
which must be used again without washing or exposure 
to sunlight, may be rendered aseptic (free from dis- 
ease germs) by ironing on both sides with a very hot 
iron. 

Heart Failure 

A grave complication of influenza is heart failure, 
and this is favored by the use of heart-depressant drugs 
(aspirin, acetanilid, and other drugs used to reduce tem- 
perature and relieve pain) , and the resort to physical ex- 
ercise while the body is still exhausted by disease. The 
heart will have a much better chance if the patient is 
kept flat on his back for several days after his temper- 
ature has become normal. 

If at any time the pulse becomes rapid and feeble, an 
ice bag should be placed over the heart, and the physician 
called at once. In the use of ice or other cold applica- 
tion, be careful to avoid chilling. 

Tuberculosis 

Perhaps more frequently than in almost any other 
disease, tuberculosis lies dormant in the system for a 
long time. When this disease is present in the body in 
any form, even though it may not be suspected, it is 
likely to become active when, under an acute attack of 
some other disease, the vitality of the patient has been 
lowered and his resistant power weakened. This prob- 
ably accounts for the comparatively large number of 
cases of tuberculosis that have their origin apparently in 
attacks of Spanish influenza. 



Influenza and Its Treatment 25 

This affords, then, an additional reason for taking 
plenty of time to recover fully from influenza before en- 
gaging in any occupation that is calculated to draw upon 
the strength to any considerable extent- One of the 
most successful tuberculosis cures is rest, with good, 
healthful food, properly eaten. 

That which is curative is likely also to be effective 
as a preventive. Therefore, as has been aptly re- 
marked, the old aphorism, " Make haste slowly," can 
be put into use again with profit by those who are 
convalescing from Spanish influenza, especially if for 
any reason the presence of tuberculosis is suspected. 

Nausea 

Vomiting may be an annoying accompaniment of 
influenza. Secure free action of the bowels. Apply a 
hot water bag or an ice bag to the stomach. Some- 
times one and sometimes the other will prevent vomit- 
ing. Sips of very hot or very cold water or bits of 
ice give relief in some cases. Smelling vinegar fumes 
is sometimes effective. 

Nosebleed - 

Nosebleed is frequent in influenza. Cold to the 
back of the neck, is a good remedy. Sniff hot water up 
the nostrils. Cold applied to the nose also helps in some 
cases. Holding a piece of ice or other very cold sub- 
stance in the hands sometimes checks nosebleed. If 
the bleeding is persistent, the nasal passage may have 
to be packed with cotton. A physician must do this. 

Sore Throat 

Sore throat is common. A saturated solution of 
boracic acid containing five per cent of glycerine is 
good as a gargle. DobelPs solution is also excellent. 
A heating compress to the throat, consisting of sev- 



26 Epidemics: Hoiv to Meet Them 

eral thicknesses of moist cheesecloth pinned snugly 
around the throat and covered with a flannel, usually 
gives relief. 

Life in the Open Air 

Observation shows that very few who live in the 
open air are attacked by influenza; but doctors, nurses, 
and those caring for influenza patients have proved to 
be very susceptible, in spite of every ordinary precau- 
tion. Therefore, only those most physically fit to re- 
sist infection or to overcome disease should ordinarily 
take the risk involved in caring for influenza cases. 
Those who have pulmonary tendencies, chronic throat 
trouble, or general weaknesses that might endanger 
their life should they contract the disease, should, as 
far as possible, avoid exposure to influenza. 

Suggestions 

Avoid any exposure, habit, or condition that tends 
to lower the bodily resistance. 

Avoid crowds. Influenza is a crowd disease. 

Ventilate rooms well, but keep them moderately 
warm and uniform in temperature; 68° to 70° is warm 
enough. Keep the air in the rooms moist. 

Dress warmly when going out. 

Protect yourself from drafts when sitting or stand- 
ing still. 

Eat nutritious, simple food, but do not overeat, 
especially of meat and eggs. Eat slowly. Chew 
thoroughly. Drink freely of water. Avoid stimulants 
and narcotics. 

Keep the body functions active. Have the bowels 
move thoroughly and regularly, if possible. 

If you are an indoor worker, get outdoors all you 
can. If possible, walk to and from work, but avoid 
overheating and fatigue. 



Influenza and Its Treatment 



27 



Sleep in fresh air; in the open if you can. 
Always wash the hands before eating. 
Keep the teeth and gums clean. 
Stand erect. Sit erect. Walk erect. 
Be temperate in all things. 

In short, live the simple life and keep the mind 
at peace with God and man. 




Keep Them Clean. 




'Health is not quoted in the markets* because it is without price." 



COMMON COLDS 



The condition commonly known as " a cold " is, 
according to a published statement coming from the 
United States Public Health Service, " the most prev- 
alent illness in the United States/' Although it is 
not usually considered of enough importance to be 
reported in the statistics of disease, in the aggregate 
it is undoubtedly the cause of a vast amount of dis- 
comfort and inconvenience, and of industrial loss be- 
cause of sick leave. 

Being regarded as a trifling matter, often little or 
nothing is done in the way of prevention or treat- 
ment; or if anything is done, it is the potato-in-the- 
pocket, or whisky-and-glycerine, or druggist's-counter- 
prescription, or patent-medicine type that is put in the 
place of adequate treatment, and may do more harm 
than good. This very natural tendency to regard a cold 
lightly is doubtless one of the most frequent and serious 
causes of disease. 

29 



30 Epidemics: How to Meet Them 

Results of a Cold 

A cold is usually "cured" or "wears itself out" 
in the course of time, but if it runs for a considerable 
period, it does not leave the patient in exactly his 
old condition. Every attack leaves its permanent ef - 
feet on the mucous membrane, making the patient more 
susceptible to future attacks. 

Colds may be followed by grave complications. 
One of the least serious, perhaps, but most painful, 
is muscular rheumatism, usually in the form of lum- 
bago or wryneck. Pneumonia is one of the most 
fatal complications. Pneumonia germs are widely scat- 
tered, and some types may be found in the mouths 
of healthy persons where they are apparently harm- 
less; but when, as the result of a cold, the mucous 
membrane is weakened, its lowered resistance may 
afford a favorable opportunity for the activity of the 
pneumonia germ. At any rate, an acute cold fre- 
quently "runs into " pneumonia. 

Tuberculosis is another grave disease which may 
become active after a cold. A vast number of per- 
sons are infected with tuberculosis, but their powers 
of resistance are so developed that the disease is held 
in abeyance, and there is no evidence whatever of any 
activity of the germ. As a result of a neglected cold, 
however, the tissues may become so weakened that the 
latent tuberculosis becomes active. It is common in 
such cases to say that the cold " ran into " tuberculosis, 
or consumption. In most cases, the probability is that 
the acute process (the cold) ignited or aroused the 
chronic process, which had been long smouldering. Some 
chronic cases of tuberculosis of long standing give a 
history of repeated victories, first of the tissues, then 
of the germs, every cold or exposure giving the germs 
another occasion to become active. 



Common Colds 31 

It will be understood from this that colds, in ad- 
dition to being themselves a source of discomfort and 
loss, are forerunners of grave conditions, such as pneu- 
monia and tuberculosis, — diseases which stand as the 
chief causes of death. 

In addition, colds may result in such local troubles 
as inflammation of the middle ear or of the air cav- 
ities in the bones of the face, or in serious heart or 
kidney affections. 

Another important fact is that some of the grav- 
est of children's diseases begin in a manner not easily 
distinguishable from a common cold. Among these 
may be mentioned diphtheria, scarlet fever, measles, 
and whooping cough, which are responsible for much of 
childhood illness and mortality. Every case of sup- 
posed " cold " or sore throat in a child should be re- 
garded with suspicion. Care should be taken not to 
expose other children, and a physician's diagnosis 
should be obtained at the earliest possible opportunity. 
Where there is an efficient system of medical school in- 
spection, school children suffering from colds or sore 
throat will be sent home. Where there is no such in- 
spection, parents, in the interest of the public health, 
should keep at home any child who has contracted 
what seems to be a cold, until a physician has stated 
that the child is not likely to infect others; and at 
home it should be isolated. 

Why Is a Cold? 

Who knows? The doctors are not agreed. Most 
likely colds are the result of a number of causes or 
factors acting together. In general it is a safe assertion 
that no one factor acting alone can produce disease. 
Physicians are generally agreed on this point. They 
assign to every disease certain predisposing or favoring 
causes and one or more exciting causes. 



32 Epidemics: How to Meet Them 

What, then, are the different factors, or conditions, 
that help to produce colds? They may be best under- 
stood when grouped under three general heads. Usually 
all three of these contribute to the onset of a cold, but 
only two may. The factors are: 

1. Predisposition to Cold 

Predisposition to cold may be the result of bad hy- 
giene, wrong habits of eating and dressing, overheated 
rooms, poor ventilation, excesses, worry, and fear of 
colds, in fact, any condition or practice that tends to 
debilitate the body. Coddling, by rendering the body 
unusually susceptible to atmospheric change, is a par- 
ticularly potent factor in causing a predisposition to 
"take cold." 

There is often a special predisposition caused by a 
malformation of the passages of the nose, providing 
favorable places for the growth of germs. Any other 
condition which favors the rapid growth of germs, as 
decayed teeth or diseased gums or tonsils, may also 
predispose to colds. Chronic catarrh is another pre- 
disposing cause. 

2. Circulatory Changes 

Changes in the blood current, so that the blood is 
driven from certain areas and stagnated in others, are 
the result of sudden weather changes, improper or in- 
adequate dress, sudden or poorly timed change to lighter 
clothing, exposure or indiscretion, such as sitting on the 
damp ground, or in the shade, or in a draft, or in shirt 
sleeves after vigorous exercise; going from a hot, close 
room into cold air out of doors or in a cold, damp base- 
ment, without making an adequate addition to the cloth- 
ing; failing to exchange damp clothing for dry; and 
the like. Circulatory changes are much more liable to 
occur when there is predisposition to colds. 






: 





OPEN AIR EXERCISE THE BEST WEAPON AGAINST COLD 



34 Epidemics: Hoiv to Meet Them 

3. Gferms 

In epidemic colds, the germs may become the prin- 
cipal factor. During an epidemic some who are not 
ordinarily subject to colds and who have committed no 
indiscretions to disturb the circulation, may be over- 
come by the sheer virulence and number of the germs. 

General Preventive Measures 

These should be directed in the line of the three 
causative factors. Predisposition should be counteracted 
as far as possible, and the nose and throat membranes 
should be brought into a healthy condition by treatment, 
or by an operation, if necessary. 

Faulty habits of eating, dressing, housing, bathing, 
and all excesses should be corrected, making the life as 
nearly normal as possible. The food should be ample, 
well balanced, not only as to protein, fat, and carbohy- 
drates, but as to salts and vitamines. This is best 
provided by a diet including a fair quantity of milk, 
possibly eggs, and a liberal supply of green vegetables, 
in addition to the usual cereals, root vegetables, and the 
like. Milk is far superior to meat in balancing the de- 
ficiencies of the cereal foods. The general demand for 
such foods as white flour, cane sugar, white rice, and 
bolted cornmeal, makes it difficult to secure a properly 
balanced dietary, which should include elements that are 
removed in the manufacture of the foods named. 

Don't Coddle 

There should be no coddling. The house should not 
be overheated nor overdry. In winter the thermom- 
eter is better at 65° or lower, than at 70° or higher, 
and an ample supply of moisture should be added to the 
air by having open vessels of water on the radiators or 
stoves or in the registers. 



Common Colds 35 

The clothing should not be too heavy in winter. 
With houses kept at a temperature of nearly 70°, espe- 
cially if one has to work in an office heated above 70°, 
one should not be much more warmly clad indoors in 
winter than in summer. On going out one should put 
on extra wraps according to the weather. If one dresses 
too warmly in the house, the moisture next the skin, on 
exposure to the outside air, may cause a condition that 
will favor a cold. 

The next point is to avoid exposure or indiscretions 
which might cause a disturbed circulation, such as sit- 
ting insufficiently clothed or in a cool place after vigor- 
ous exercise, or making a change too suddenly or at a 
wrong time from winter to summer underwear, or neg- 
lecting to change wet clothing. 

Another point is to avoid contact with persons who 
appear to be suffering from colds. Remember that 
germs are thrown into the air in coughing, sneezing, and 
loud talking. In time of an epidemic of colds or similar 
diseases, it is important to keep out of crowds. Al- 
ways avoid the cougher or sneezer who neglects to cover 
his mouth with his handkerchief. Then by means of 
proper mouth hygiene, proper care of the teeth, the 
use of cleansing mouth washes, and cleansing sprays to 
the nasal passages, one may reduce the number of germs 
that find lodging places and breeding grounds within 
his system. 

To Break Up a Cold at the Start 

If, when one has " caught a cold," the appropriate 
remedies are applied immediately and vigorously, the 
cold may be broken up practically at its inception, leav- 
ing no noticeable after-effects. The value of abortive 
treatment depends very much on how early it is begun. 

If the first slight symptoms of an on-coming cold — 
the sneezing, the chilly sensations, the dryness of the 



36 Epidemics: How to Meet Them 

throat or nose — are overlooked, or if treatment is post- 
poned until a more convenient time, the golden moment 
is allowed to pass unimproved. Treatment begun later 
will probably not be so effective. 

If one has premonitory symptoms of a cold, he should 
at once — 

1. Determine that he will not have a cold. Remem- 
ber that the mind has a powerful influence on the body 
cells. A determined attitude of mind at the very be- 
ginning of a cold, before there have been any material 
tissue changes, wonderfully increases the resisting power 
of the body tissues against disease. Hope is another 
factor which will greatly strengthen the restraint pow- 
ers of the body. Fear and a what-is-the-use spirit 
increase the susceptibility to disease. Owing to a com- 
bination of influences, the power of the body to resist 
disease is like the mercury in a thermometer, constantly 
rising and falling. The mental influence, just explained, 
is not the least. 

2. Take immediate steps to prevent the cold. One 
who is in vigorous health may gain most by active exer- 
cise in the open air to the point of perspiration — a bicy- 
cle ride, the woodpile, the garden, a rapid walk — any 
exercise that will quicken the entire circulation. This 
exercise is best followed by a full warm bath, a vigorous 
towel rub, and a change of underclothing. The warm 
bath is more effective if followed by a cool spray, or by 
a cold wet-hand rub, dipping the hand repeatedly in cold 
water and passing it rapidly over the body. If it is near 
evening, it is better after such treatment to go to bed 
and remain there until morning. 

It is a decided advantage to use local sprays when 
there is irritation of the nasal passages. For this pur- 
pose it is advisable to use first a cleansing spray, then 
an oil spray. The cleansing spray may be prepared by 
dissolving an alkaline antiseptic tablet (obtained at the 



Common Colds 37 

drug store) in two fluid ounces (one-fourth cup) of 
water. Or a homemade solution may be prepared by 
adding a teaspoonful each of salt and baking soda to 
a quart of water. The cleansing solution is best used 
in one of the nasal sprays, preferably one with a short 
open nozzle. After the nose has been thoroughly sprayed 
with the cleansing solution, it may be further treated 
with an oil spray, of which there are many. The fol- 
lowing is a good one: 

Camphor • 10 grains 

Menthol 10 grains 

Oil eucalyptus 10 drops 

Light mineral oil 2 ounces 

If the patient is not in vigorous health, or if the cold 
has progressed for some hours, a hot treatment — a hot 
foot or leg bath, a hot leg pack, or some other hot 
treatment to quicken the surface circulation, followed by 
rest in a warm bed — will usually prove efficacious. The 
hot treatment should be given so there will be the least 
possible exposure on getting into bed. For illustration, 
one method of taking the leg bath is given below, as 
this treatment is simple in its application and requires 
nothing that is not usually at hand or easily obtainable 
in any home. 

How to Take a Leg Bath 

Materials. — A pail two thirds full of water as hot as 
the hand can well bear. A vessel containing a supply 
of scalding water. A pitcher of hot, weak, unsweetened 
lemonade. One or two heavy blankets. To secure the 
best results, the patient should have assistance in tak- 
ing this treatment. 

Method. — Turn back the bedcovers, and place the 
bath at the side of the bed; disrobe, wrap up in the 
blankets, and sit on the side of the bed with the feet in 
the pail of water, arranging the blankets around the pail 
so that no air from the outside can reach the skin. 



38 



Epidemics: How to Meet Them 



The bath should be taken as hot as can be borne, 
more hot water being cautiously added as the skin can 
bear it. Drink the lemonade during the bath, which 
should be continued until the perspiration is profuse. 
Then turn around on the bed, roll up in the blankets, 
with the arms inside, and cover with the bedcovers. The 
blankets should be drawn around the neck and feet so 
as effectually to exclude the air. 




THE LEG BATH 

This is only one of many ways of inducing perspira- 
tion. The details may be varied. The essentials are: 
Heat to the surface of the body, with a hot drink ; avoid- 
ance of exposure to cold air during and after treat- 
ment. Any feeling of faintness during treatment may 
be relieved by sponging the forehead with cold water or 
laying a cold cloth on the head. 



Common Colds 



39 



The following morning, if the bathroom is near, take 
a hot tub bath; then, standing in the tub, go over the 
body rapidly with the hand, frequently plunging it into 
a basin of cold water; then dry briskly with a coarse 
towel. Give a more thorough application of the cold 
hand bath and towel rub to the chest and throat. 

If a tub bath is impracticable, take a rapid hot sponge 
bath, followed by a cold hand bath and a vigorous towel 
rub. Avoid exposure of the body to the air as much as 
possible before the bath. 

After breakfast, take a walk in the fresh air. Eat 
lightly. Live on fruit for twenty-four to thirty-six 
hours. Drink freely of water, or, if you wish, of lemon- 
ade (preferably unsweetened). If solid food is taken 
at all, eat very lightly, and especially avoid fats and 
sweets. 




** Pleasant to the sight, and grood for food." Gen. 2 : 9. 




40 



A GOOD TEACHER 




[ Happiness, first of all, in health." — Phillips Brooks. 



TUBERCULOSIS: ITS PREVENTION AND 
TREATMENT 

The war with the germs of tuberculosis, or consump- 
tion, as it is commonly called, after twenty years of 
hard fighting, is still going on. This disease carries off 
young men and women just as they are entering upon 
their years of responsibility and usefulness. One third 
of all the deaths which occur between the ages of twenty 
and forty-five are due to tuberculosis in some of its 
various forms. 

Should there be an outbreak of a few cases of small- 
pox, great alarm would be felt, the entire community 
would be aroused, and decided efforts would be put forth 
to prevent its spread. Tuberculosis is with us in en- 
demic form all the time. It is possibly as contagious 
as smallpox, and equally fatal. There is this difference, 
however, smallpox carries off its victims in a few days, 
while consumption does its work more slowly, but not 

41 



42 Epidemics: Hovj to Meet Them 

less surely. The patient begins to cough, loses in weight, 
and in a few months or years dies of the disease. Then 
another member of the family begins to fail in health, 
and in the course of time he, too, succumbs; and so it 
goes on until, at times, almost whole families are wiped 
out. Tuberculosis does its work so slowly and stealthily 
that little alarm is felt. Friends come to the funeral 
and say, " It is too bad, but it runs in the family." This 
leads to a blind resignation to the apparently inevitable. 
But why does it run in certain families and not in 
others? 

Tuberculosis Not Inherited 

Heredity is not responsible for this disease, though 
environment may be. Any one who contracts consump- 
tion has himself or his environment, not his ancestry, to 
blame for it, because consumption is not inherited. 
True, one may inherit certain predisposing weaknesses, 
but it is possible for one so to develop and strengthen 
these weak points that they will become his strong 
points. The difficulty lies not so much in the inheritance 
of weak lungs from tuberculous parents as in the fol- 
lowing of the wrong habits of the parents. 

One need not say, " There is no hope for me. I 
have inherited this weakness." Ascertain the causes of 
the weakness, and determine to remove them. If the 
chest is narrow, develop it by suitable exercises. Sit 
erect. Stand erect. Walk erect. Practise deep breath- 
ing. Keep in the open air night and day. Discontinue 
every harmful practice, and your chances to live are bet- 
ter than those of one with a more robust heredity, but 
who is careless in his habits of life. 

House heredity is a more active cause of tuberculosis 
than family heredity. The British Medical Journal re- 
ports a case which illustrates the danger of living in an 
infected house. A family of nine lived in a house which 



Tuberculosis: Its Prevention and Treatment 43 

had been occupied ten years before by two tuberculous 
patients. In a short time three of the nine inmates 
showed symptoms of tuberculosis, although previous to 
this the whole family had been in excellent health. 
These three had used the same bedroom as the former 
tenants. Pieces of wall paper were examined, also dust 
from the ceiling and wall, and tubercle bacilli were 
found in abundance. 

How Tuberculosis Is Communicated 

By the Sputum 

The bacilli, or germs, of tuberculosis may enter the 
human body in the food eaten, and through the blood 
be transmitted to the lungs, their favorite spot for prop- 
agation. But unquestionably the expectorated mass 
(sputum) is chiefly responsible for the spread of the dis- 
ease. The germs contained in the dry sputum may be 
conveyed by the air, or in a moist form by being coughed 
into the face of another, or through the friendly kiss 
or handshake. 

Through Underdone Meat 

The germ of tuberculosis has a high degree of vital- 
ity. It is not destroyed by the gastric juice. A tem- 
perature of 158° F. for fifteen minutes proves fatal to 
this germ ; but a broiled steak, the interior of which had 
been exposed to a temperature of 163° for a short time 
only, was still found to contain living germs. If in 
cooking meat the blood is not coagulated but still oozes 
out as a red fluid, the temperature has not been suffi- 
ciently high to destroy the tubercle germs that may be 
present. Outside of the body, under favorable conditions, 
the germs may live for three or four months. They die, 
however, in a few hours if exposed to direct sunlight. 
In ordinary daylight they survive for from five to seven 
days; but in an ordinary room, although they weaken, 
they may remain virulent for two and a half months, 





S <2 _ p 







46 Epidemics: How to Meet Them 

By Dairy Products 

Tubercle bacilli may be communicated through dairy 
products — milk, cream, and butter. The animal itself 
may be tuberculous, or the milk may become infected by 
passing through the hands of a tuberculous subject. 

It is not uncommon for milk to be handled by a 
number of people before it reaches the consumer. A 
few germs from an infected person, by gaining entrance 
into the milk pail, multiply with great rapidity, since 
the fresh milk affords all the conditions required for 
their growth, — food, moisture, and warmth. Whole 
communities may be endangered through an infected 
milk supply. The Pasteurization, or boiling, of milk af- 
fords the only certain means of protection. Infants may 
have the germs of tuberculosis planted in their bodies 
by infected milk, which later in life may cause the 
disease. 

Boiled milk is recommended. Milk may be brought to 
the boiling point and kept there for a few minutes with- 
out destroying its digestibility. In fact, boiled milk is 
easier for the infant to digest than unboiled, since the 
curd formed is softer and smaller than is that formed 
in unboiled milk. It is true that the vitamines — cer- 
tain important food elements — may be destroyed, but 
a little orange juice between the feedings will supply 
these. Infants fed in this manner do well. 

By Pet Animals 

Household pets, as cats and dogs, may spread the 
disease. Tuberculosis is common among cats. The 
fondling of kittens by children is a dangerous practice. 

Some Predisposing Means 

There can be no tuberculosis without the special germ 
which produces it, hence the need of making use of 
every precaution to prevent the spread of these ba- 



Tuberculosis: Its Prevention and Treatment 47 

cilli. Exposure, no matter how extreme, will not in 
itself cause tuberculosis; impure air will not of itself 
bring about the disease; but both may act as predis- 
posing causes by lowering the vitality of the lung tis- 
sue and thus paving the way for germs. There must 
be the seed in addition to prepared soil. The seeds are 
abundant, and many of the habits of civilized man tend 
to lower vital resistance, and thus predispose the tissue 
to the disease. 

The use of alcoholic beverages is a most potent factor 
in predisposing to tuberculosis. The prohibition law 
will, therefore, greatly limit the ravages of this disease. 

Tobacco smoke is an active ally of tuberculosis. 
Cigarette fiends are among the chief victims of the dis- 
ease. The inhalation of tobacco smoke, a practice very 
common among smokers, lowers the vitality of the lung 
tissue and prepares the soil for the seed. The weakened 
condition of the heart makes recovery difficult if not 
impossible. At the Phipps Institute, Philadelphia, it has 
been proved that the tobacco smoker's chances of recov- 
ery from this disease are not so good as those of the 
nonsmoker. The increased use of cigarettes by boys and 
women in America during the past few years is lowering 
vital resistance and paving the way for an increased 
mortality from this disease. 

Fresh Air a Preventive 

Men and women spend too much time in city offices, 
where they are to a great degree deprived of the life- 
giving breath of pure air. Many still spend the night 
in bedrooms from which the outside air is excluded. 
Night air is not dangerous. The only bad night air is 
last night's air. The fact is, night air is the only kind 
of air we have to breathe at night. It is merely a ques- 
tion of whether we will open the windows and welcome 




A CROWDED, DIRTY SLEEPING-ROOM 
Favorable for disease germs, but unfit for human beings. 




THE SAME ROOM CLEANED UP 
Poverty is excusable, but filthiness is not. Cleanliness is not expensive. 



48 



Tuberculosis: Its Prevention and Treatment 43 

pure night air, or breathe again and again the vitiated 
air in the room. 

Deep breathing should be practised. This does not 
come naturally to the sedentary person. Exercise favors 
lung expansion and creates- a natural demand for air. 
An erect posture should be maintained while sitting at 
the desk. Energizing the muscles of the abdomen, which 
form the support of the abdominal organs, thus per- 
mitting freedom to the diaphragm, should be practised. 
A few minutes spent in exercise combined with deep 
breathing before an open window, is not time lost. Bet- 
ter work will be done and better health enjoyed. Air 
starvation is one of the great national evils. It is the 
forerunner of tuberculosis. 

Climatic Conditions 

Suitable climatic influences are conducive to recovery 
from tuberculosis, but the mistake should not be made 
of sending all predisposed or infected cases to any one 
locality. A warm, dry climate is suitable for elderly per- 
sons, especially those who have the disease in a chronic 
form, with little or no fever. A cold, dry climate is 
most suitable for young persons in the earlier stages of 
the disease. A warm, moist climate is best adapted for 
those unable to take exercise. A cold, moist climate 
should be avoided by consumptives. 

Aside from this, it does not matter very much, as a 
rule, what climate is selected, so long as it is different 
and has a tonic effect, which is likely to be the case if 
an outdoor life is resorted to, A high altitude and rare 
atmosphere necessitate greater lung expansion and in- 
creased respiration. For those having fever and those 
who are unable to take sufficient exercise to increase 
lung expansion, such atmospheric conditions are advis- 
able, but the change should not be made too suddenly, 
as it may cause hemorrhage. 




A Tent in the Yard 




A Shack on the Roof 



51 



52 Epidemics: Hoiv to Meet Them 

Sunlight Medicine 

Consumption is a " pestilence that walketh in dark- 
ness." The germs thrive in the dark. Sunlight is de- 
structive to them. The home should not merely be kept 
well ventilated, but an abundance of light should be ad- 
mitted. The curtains should not be kept down or the 
shutters closed to shut out the light. 

Much has been done toward preventing the spread 
of the germs of tuberculosis. Everywhere notices are 
posted forbidding spitting on sidewalks, in street cars 
and other public places. Very little attention has been 
given, however, to building up barriers of defense 
against the invasion of the germs. The latter is more 
important than the former. 

Germproof Tissue 

With the body vitality at par, germs of tuberculosis 
are harmless. Healthy tissue is germproof. To build 
up and maintain the vitality of the lung tissue, nature's 
agencies must be utilized. Pure air, sunlight, simple, 
nutritious foods which are easy of digestion, cleanliness, 
cheerfulness, and moderate daily exercise in the open air, 
must be relied upon as protective and curative measures. 

Having done these things, faith, courage, and hope 
must be cultivated. Fear exerts a paralyzing influence 
and lowers the vital resistance of the tissues. Tuber- 
culous patients are not dangerous to others, as a rule, if 
the proper precautions are taken. 

What to Do 

It is important that the attendant should keep the 
hands clean. 

Food should not be eaten with unwashed hands. 

Food left by patients should be destroyed. 

Spoons, cups, etc., should be boiled and washed with 
soap and water. 



Tuberculosis: Its Prevention and Treatment 53 

A damp cloth should be used in dusting the room 
occupied by the patient. Never allow the dust to be 
stirred up. 

Avoid sleeping in the same room with the patient. 
In fact, it is much better for the patient not to sleep 
in a room, unless there is a window tent at the head 
of his bed. 

Keep the room well ventilated day and night. 

When indoors or outdoors, the patient should expec- 
torate into paper bags that can be burned. 

The sputum should never be swallowed, as this is 
liable to generalize the disease and render the condition 
more hopeless. 

Care should be exercised not to cough into the air. 

In conversing with others, watch to see that the fine 
spray from the mouth of the person affected does not 
reach the other person. 

Kissing should be avoided. 

When a room is vacated by a patient, some disin- 
fectant should be used in washing the ceiling, walls, floor, 
and contents. 

The room should be opened to the air and sunlight 
for several days. 

Bedding should be washed and boiled, and then ex- 
posed to air and sunlight for several days. 

Clothing that cannot be disinfected should be burned. 



=p 



Old Age and Cancer May Not 

be Preventable, 

but THESE ARE : : 




Communicable 
and Prevent- 
able Through 
These Sources 



Eye Secretions 



Mouth 
and 
Nose 
Secretions 



Spray Borne 



N on -spray 
borne 



Bowel Discharges 



Skin 



Immorality 



Suctorial Insects 



Animals 



Non-communicable, but Preventable . 

— Adapted from Virginia Health Bulletin. 

54 



\ Pink eye 
j Trachoma 

Influenza 
Bad colds 
Whooping cough 
Measles 
Pneumonia 
i Tuberculosis 

, Scarlet fever 
\ Diphtheria 

Mumps 

Meningitis 

\ Typhoid fever 

Dysentery 
) Summer complaint 
, Infantile paralysis 
/Hookworm and 

other intestinal 

parasites 

Itch 

Lice 

Ringworm 
I Smallpox 
< Chicken pox 

{ Syphilis 
\ Gonorrhea 
' Chancroid 

Malaria 
Yellow fever 
i Typhus 
Plague 

Rabies 

Tapeworm 

Trichinosis 

f Violence 

Poisoning 

Accidents 
k Occupational* 
diseases 

Dietetic diseases 

Alcoholism 



=o 




'Health is the greatest of gifts; contentedness, the best riches." 



THE CANCER PERIL 

While not exactly epidemic, cancer may be consid- 
ered one of the most prevalent diseases. Medical science 
is making" gains on most of the more fatal diseases, such 
as yellow fever, malaria, tuberculosis, and diphtheria, 
but thus far has been unable to do much toward check- 
ing the progress of cancer, one of the oldest and most 
fatal of human ailments. This terrible disease, with its 
accompaniment of bad odors, horrible disfigurements, 
and an almost uninterrupted course toward a fatal ter- 
mination, is said to be on the increase, not only in fre- 
quency but in virulence. 

A Terrible Foe 

Cancer takes more adult lives than any other disease. 
Tuberculosis numbers more victims in total, because of 
the large number of young persons included in its list, 
but cancer makes up for numbers, and more too, by 
taking men and women of mature years and usefulness. 

55 



56 Epidemics: How to Meet Them 

It attacks men and women of any race or rank, and 
is a common enemy of all mankind. Women have always 
suffered more than men because of the frequency with 
which the breast and uterus (womb) are involved. 
Otherwise men seem more liable to cancer than women. 
Of persons more than thirty-five years old, one out of 
every eight women and one out of every fourteen men 
die of cancer. 

On the Increase 

That the increase of cancer is real and not apparent, 
is shown by the vital statistics and insurance records 
of practically every civilized country. The increase is 
out of proportion to the increase in population. In the 
space of about twelve years, there has been an increase 
of twenty per cent or more in mortality from cancer, 
as compared with the increase in population. 

Medical men now call it the " cancer problem/' for 
it is a problem, even the immediate cause of the disease 
being as yet unknown, although much means, time, and 
talent have been devoted to its investigation. Fortu- 
nately, though, as with some other diseases, the exact 
causes of which are unknown, there are measures which 
have proved more or less efficient in combating the in- 
crease of cancer. 

Medical authorities are agreed that cancer is pri- 
marily a local disease, and not, as many have supposed, 
a condition of the general system. In most cases the 
disease manifests itself in parts of the body where it 
may be easily reached, and from which it may, if taken 
in time, be removed by suitable measures. While at first 
of purely local growth, cancer may spread to other sus- 
ceptible portions of the body. If removed in time, there 
is no danger that other parts will become involved. 

The doctors tell us that cancer is not contagious. 
Investigators also assure us that if taken in time there 



The Cancer Peril 57 

are suitable operative measures that will stay the 
scourge; but they must be taken in time, for surgical 
measures late in the disease can be at best only palliative 
and not curative. 

Cancer does not sound a loud warning of its ap- 
proach. Its beginning is without pain. Its coming is 
usually insidious. It is only after the cancer has devel- 
oped to a point where remedial measures are exceed- 
ingly difficult or even impracticable, that pain becomes a 
symptom. Starting as a small spot, the disease, feeding 
on the body tissue, spreads until it has taken such large 
and deep hold that its removal is difficult or even im- 
possible. Too often the disease gets such a firm hold 
before medical advice is sought, that the case is hopeless. 

Danger Signals 

A few indications of cancer in its early stage are 
described by our medical men; and people generally, 
especially those over thirty-five years of age, are urged 
to be on guard. On the appearance of any of these 
symptoms, one should at once seek competent medical 
advice. The indications of the possible beginning of 
cancer are as follows: 

A persistent soreness, ulceration, or hardening of the 
skin. 

Warts or moles showing a tendency to ulcerate, to 
bleed, or to increase in size. 

Soreness, thickening, or ulcers in the mouth. 

A wart or sore on the lips that will not heal. 

Tumors or swelling in any organ or part of the body, 
especially of the female breast. 

In females, irregular or increased monthly flowing, 
especially if it begins again after the change of life. 

Discharge of blood from the bladder or rectum. 

Gastric or intestinal indigestion, accompanied by 
progressive loss of weight. 



58 Epidemics: How to Meet Them 

The possibility that any of these danger signals 
means cancer is greater in persons over forty years of 
age. All become of greater significance with the in- 
crease of age. If any of these appear, see a reputable 
physician at once. 

The histories of many cases of cancer prove that ap- 
parently insignificant beginnings have grown into ma- 
lignant conditions, resulting finally in death. Taken in 
time, the little skin irritation or ulcer of the stomach, 
gall stones, or other affection, might be kept from de- 
veloping into cancer. 

No Delay 

Let it be emphasized that to cure cancer it must be 
taken at the beginning; then the majority of cases are 
curable. Don't wait until you are sure it is cancer. You 
may wait too long, for all cancers end in death if let 
alone. The chances for a cure decrease with the length 
of time the disease continues. 

Early diagnosis for cancer is all-important. Be sure 
to consult a skilful physician. The use of the X-ray is 
usually desirable and sometimes necessary for the proper 
diagnosis of internal cancer. The microscope is the main 
reliance in determining cancerous tissue. 

Don't Dally with Drugs 

Positive warning should be sounded against any delay 
in securing proper treatment by dallying with make- 
believe remedies. It would seem unnecessary to say that 
swallowing any kind or any amount of drugs, call it 
" cancer cure " or what you will, only makes more cer- 
tain the unhindered progress of cancer. Not only do 
these nostrums have no effect whatever in staying the 
growth of malignant tumors, but they probably add that 
much refuse and poison to the system to be combated 
and eliminated. And further, as in the case of most nos- 



The Cancer Peril 59 

trums, the victim, in a false security, relies on these 
for a cure, and neglects the measures which, if used in 
time, might really help him. 

It is understood by medical men that certain forms 
of skin growths resembling cancer or partaking of its 
nature are removable by suitable applications of ac- 
knowledged medicinal value. But in this connection lies 
also a great danger, — that of depending upon salves or 
ointments in the treatment of deadly cancerous tissue 
for which there is no cure but surgery. The field of 
quackery and fraud has been heavily worked with so- 
called "cancer cures." Advertisements calculated to 
render surgery an object of terror, make lying claims 
about " cures without the knife ; " whereas it has been 
most definitely established by the ablest scientific inves- 
tigation and the fullest experience, that a surgical oper- 
ation is the surest means of removing real cancer. 
Temporizing with nostrums in case of cancer is simply 
playing with death. 

The value of correct dietetic measures, both in pre- 
venting and treating cancer, is recognized. The large 
percentage of cases of stomach and intestinal cancer 
enforces recognition of improper eating as one of the 
causes of the disease. Some eminent authorities have 
observed that vegetarianism is strongly favorable to 
immunity from cancer. It is known that smoking is a 
direct cause of cancer of the lips or tongue — another 
argument for correct living. 

These are some of the things known about cancer. 
They are worth heeding by every one; for upon the 
eighty-five thousand people who will die in America this 
year of this disease, the selection will fall — who knows 
where ? 




60 



( An ounce of mother is worth a pound of clergy, J 




" We should treat children as God treats us." — Goethe. 



CHILDREN'S DISEASES 

MEASLES, WHOOPING COUGH, SCARLET FEVER, 
AND DIPHTHERIA 

Of these four diseases, measles and whooping cough 
are by far the most common and the most difficult to 
guard against; first, because they are communicable in 
their earlier stages, even before they are recognized; 
and, second, because, not being so immediately danger- 
ous to life as the other two, the same precautions are 
not taken against them. 

Then, too, while measles and whooping cough are re- 
garded as inevitable, if not in childhood then later in 
life, they are accepted as a sort of fatality, and little 
or no serious effort is made to avoid them. Some par- 
ents even go so far as deliberately to expose their chil- 
dren to a disease, in order, as they say, that it may be 
" over with/' Parents should realize that not one of 
these diseases is a trifling matter, and that to expose 
their children to them is to take a serious risk, not 

61 



62 Epidemics: Hoiv to Meet Them 

only of death directly from the disease, but of very 
serious after-effects, which may last for years or pos- 
sibly for a whole lifetime. 

The better way is to take care to keep children at 
all times in the very best possible physical condition to 
resist disease, guarding them reasonably against measles 
and whooping cough, but not to the extent of living in 
constant apprehension nor of letting the children grow 
up in an atmosphere of suspicion and fear* Then if 
any symptom of these diseases shows itself, let every 
precaution be taken to insure as far as possible a favor- 
able termination of it. 

Measles 

Any disease leaves a child weaker and therefore more 
susceptible to other diseases than he was before; so no 
disease should be regarded as a matter of indifference. 
Measles especially is thought by many to be compara- 
tively harmless. This is a great mistake. If neglected, 
few diseases are more liable to result disastrously. In 
some States the mortality from measles is twice that 
from scarlet fever, and more than half that from diph- 
theria. At the present time there are more deaths from 
measles than from smallpox. More than 12,000 deaths 
occur in this country every year from measles. 

But the number of deaths from measles itself does 
not tell the whole story. Many children are left per- 
manently weakened in health. Among the more serious 
after-effects are bronchitis, broncho-pneumonia, tubercu- 
losis, impaired hearing, weak eyes, diseases of the throat 
and stomach, chronic kidney affection, hardening of the 
arteries, and nervous affections. The younger the child, 
the greater the danger of serious results. About 120,009 
lives in America are every year either destroyed or made 
miserable by the effects of this disease. These are facts 
from medical authorities. No, measles is not a matter 




I > T ^ ) n 




te 



r-3 



4i^". 









Sgg^z 




-^ 



(^ ,-»•*•»• 



ILLINOIS STATE BOARD op h EftCTH - CARTOON U?37 



THE ORIGINAL BOMBING MACHINE 



63 



DIRTY — MILK -CLEAN 




JTS3 



THE WRONG WAY — THE RIGHT WAY 



G4 



v EXPOSED \r -, 

TftfOW Rp?Wdl •*- -A Sink of toiqifty 



A 



'-> 




ILLINOIS STATE BOARD OF HEALT-H ~ CARTOOnN 9 ** . 

PERHAPS THIS IS THE SECRET ofTHAT " FINE 
MINERAL FL-AVOfc" YOU NOTICE IN THE WELL WATER. 

5 65 



66 Epidemics: How to Meet Them 

of little concern to those who are interested in the wel- 
fare of children. 

How Measles Is Spread 

The immediate cause of measles is supposed to be a 
certain kind of germ, or microbe, which is contained in 
the discharge that comes from the patient's nose or 
mouth. The infectious material may be thrown off in 
the spray caused by sneezing or in the spittle when 
coughing. 

Drinking glasses, cups, dishes, spoons, towels, hand- 
kerchiefs, napkins, clothing, bedding, and other articles 
used by the patient may carry the germs, and other per- 
sons using them before they are well disinfected, may 
take the germs into the system and thus contract 
measles. 

The fingers or hands may convey the germs to an- 
other in shaking hands or in handling dishes or utensils 
that have been used by the patient. The infected hands 
will most likely carry the germs to the nose, mouth, or 
eyes of their owner, or may be the means of transmit- 
ting them to some one else. 

Every one should be willing to help in preventing 
an epidemic of measles. Children who have been ex- 
posed to measles should not go to school or to other 
places where children gather. While they may carefully 
wash their hands and faces and try to avoid carrying 
the disease germ, they may themselves become ill with 
the disease while at school, and thus give it to other 
children before proper care can be taken to prevent it. 

Care of the Patient 

It is safest to have your physician's advice. In his 
absence, or while waiting for him, put the sick child in 
a room away from other children. Also take into the 
room the articles the child has used since showing symp- 



Children's Diseases 67 

toms of the disease ; this is especially important of things 
that may have been in his mouth. 

Put the patient to bed promptly in a cheery, well- 
ventilated room, taking care to keep him warm but not 
overheated. Provide plenty of fresh air, but avoid 
drafts. 

If child help is needed to care for the little patient, 
select an older child or one that has already had measles. 
This does not mean one who has had German measles, 
which is another disease. 

Whoever helps to care for the child should take pains 
to wash the hands before touching anything outside of 
the sick-room, particularly cooking utensils, dishes, or 
anything that is liable to convey the disease germs to 
others. It would be advisable for the attendant to wear 
a loose gown or large apron, easy to slip on and off. 

All mouth and nose discharges should be received into 
rags or soft paper, which should be kept in a closed 
paper bag until burned. Whoever handles these bags 
should carefully wash his hands. 

The mother or other attendant should bear in mind 
that the germs of measles may be carried out of the 
room by means of the various articles and ways already 
mentioned, and should carefully guard against it. She 
should not kiss the sick child, nor kiss other children 
after being with the sick child. 

The germs do not live long after leaving the body, 
but during the short time they do live they are very 
active in spreading the disease. This is true even be- 
fore the rash appears. 

Period of Incubation 

Measles usually develops in from nine to fourteen 
days after exposure, and this period should elapse before 
the exposed person is allowed to mingle with other 
children. 



68 Epidemics: How to Meet Them 

Treatment 

Give the child a warm bath daily. A tepid bath or 
cool sponge should be given to allay the fever. A cool 
or cold sponge is most refreshing and soothing whenever 
the child is feverish. Avoid chilling. 

The diet should be light, consisting chiefly of fruit 
juices, fruit both fresh and stewed, bread, an occasional 
egg or custard, rice, simple pudding, and similar foods 
prepared without much sugar. Milk may be used freely. 
If the bowels are loose, omit the fruit ; as a rule they are 
sluggish, and fruits that are laxative are to be recom- 
mended. 

With careful nursing, proper attention to the bowels, 
using the enema if necessary, and frequent bathing, 
the child will usually make a good recovery. Keep him 
in bed at least a week after the acute stage is passed, to 
prevent complications or a relapse. It is the after- 
effects, such as bronchitis and pneumonia, that are 
particularly dangerous. For this reason the greatest 
care should be taken to keep the child warm, yet at 
the same time to provide an abundance of fresh, pure, 
invigorating air. 

The danger of injury to the eyes should be guarded 
against. While plenty of sunlight is desirable (and 
it is possible to have it without injury if the eyes are 
shaded), there may be cases in which it is necessary to 
darken the room in order to allay the irritation of the 
bright light. Use a saturated solution of boracic acid as 
a wash for the eyes. 

Disinfection 

Fumigation is not necessary, but all the clothing, 
bedding, sheets, pillow cases, etc., should be boiled 
twenty minutes, or soaked for one hour in a 3-per-cent 
solution of carbolic acid, — three teaspoonfuls of car- 
bolic acid to one pint of hot water. Put in a little laun- 



Children's Diseases 69 

dry bluing to indicate that it is poisonous. The room 
which has been occupied by the patient should be given 
a few days' airing and exposure to sunshine. With 
proper precautions on the part of parents and with the 
co-operation of all concerned, both parents and school 
authorities, measles and other children's epidemic dis- 
eases could be quite largely controlled. 

Whooping Cough 

Another serious disease which many regard as harm- 
less and which they think the child " must have sooner 
or later, and the sooner the better," is whooping cough. 
But it is no more necessary for children to have whoop- 
ing cough, scarlet fever, or diphtheria, than it is to have 
pneumonia or any other serious disease. A child will 
be stronger and healthier if he does not have these dis- 
eases which weaken the system. 

Whooping cough is a serious disease. Thousands of 
children die annually from it. In some States whoop- 
ing cough kills more children than does measles, serious 
as we have shown that " harmless " disease to be. 
Delicate children and those subject to tuberculosis are 
in great danger from whooping cough. As with measles, 
the after-effects very often prove fatal. Nine tenths of 
the children who die from the results of whooping 
cough die of broncho-pneumonia. The severe attacks 
of coughing, accompanied by the choking sensations 
which are typical of this disease, make it difficult to 
maintain the nutrition necessary to the child's health. 

Nature of the Disease 

Whooping cough is a highly contagious disease. It 
affects the respiratory passages, and is communicated 
by the secretions from the nose, throat, and mouth. 
The disease begins as an ordinary cough, and may be 
difficult to identify as whooping cough until the child 



70 Epidemics: How to Meet Them 

" whoops/' It lasts from six to eight weeks or more. 
In mild cases the child will have only four or five at- 
tacks of coughing a day. The cough is especially marked 
at night, and after about a week increases in severity. 
In mild cases the whoop may not appear. 

The germs of the disease, contained in the dis- 
charges of the nose and throat, are most numerous 
during the early stage. While they are not considered 
as being air-borne (that is, carried in the air), they 
are carried in the little droplets expelled in coughing. 
In the struggles of the child during the paroxysms of 
coughing, the germs are liable to get on his hands. 
Direct contact with others will transmit the germs, and 
thus spread the disease. 

Period of Incubation 

The symptoms usually begin nine or ten days after 
the germs have entered the body. 

Isolation 

The child suffering from whooping cough should be 
kept away from other children, unless they have had 
the disease and are therefore immune. If he has been 
attending school or gatherings of children, proper noti- 
fication should be given to the parents of those children, 
that due care may be taken to prevent the spread of the 
disease. The same requirements for isolation as were 
given for measles should be observed in whooping 
cough. 

Treatment 

There is no known specific remedy for the disease. 
The diet should be carefully guarded. Only simple 
foods should be given, and the child should not be al- 
lowed to overeat. He should be kept warm, but not 
too warm. He should have plenty of fresh air. 

The bedroom should be thoroughly ventilated. In 
good weather let the child spend as much time as possi- 



Children's Diseases 71 

ble outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine, but not where 
he will endanger other children. He should be urged 
strongly to suppress the cough, as coughing aggravates 
the trouble. 

Disinfection 

While the germs of whooping cough are short lived, 
the room 'occupied by the sick, with its contents, should 
be given a thorough cleansing, airing, and exposure to 
sunshine before being used in any way by persons not 
immune to the disease. 

Scarlet Fever 

Scarlet fever is another very contagious disease, and 
it may become epidemic. Death is caused directly by 
the disease, and there are also serious after-effects which 
may end fatally. 

Isolation 

The protection of young children from exposure to 
scarlet fever is particularly important, as it is espe- 
cially serious in children from one to five years of age. 
Nursing infants are not so susceptible. In severe cases 
death may occur within two or three days. 

The disease varies in severity. Sometimes it is 
quite mild, the patient being ill only two or three days. 
Infection from these mild cases may, however, result 
in a malignant form of the disease. 

There is danger that in mild cases the child will 
not receive proper care. Running ears may result in 
deafness or something worse, due to the lack of care 
during the acute stages of even a mild case of the dis- 
ease. Frequently disease of the kidneys results. There 
is danger, too, that a child with a mild case of scarlet 
fever may be allowed to go to school or other places 
where there are children; and others, contracting the 



72 Epidemics: How to Meet Them 

disease, will develop a most severe form of it. The 
degree of caution exercised in the care of scarlet fever 
should not be regulated by the severity of the case. 
A physician is just as necessary in a mild case as in 
one that is severe. 

Scarlet fever is transmitted by germs contained in 
the discharges from the nose and throat. They are 
given off in coughing and sneezing. 

The germs may also be conveyed in milk. Epi- 
demics have occurred in communities where the milk 
had become infected through improper handling. During 
a scarlet-fever epidemic all milk should be boiled, espe- 
cially if used by children. 

Period of Incubation 

Scarlet fever develops in from one to seven days, 
most often in from two to four. This means that, as 
a rule, a person who receives the germs of the disease 
in the mouth or the nose will show no effects until 
from two to four days or possibly not until seven days 
later. 

Symptoms 

The first symptoms are headache, vomiting, sore 
throat, fever, pains in the back, and faintness. Vomit- 
ing, caused by the effects of the poison on the nervous 
system, is quite common. The pulse is very rapid. A 
scarlet rash appears in from twelve to twenty-four hours 
after the onset, usually first on the neck and upper 
part of the chest. Sometimes the rash is not very 
marked, especially in mild cases. As in measles, the 
disease may be communicated before the rash appears. 
This suggests the necessity of carefully watching any 
child that has been exposed to the disease, and not al- 
lowing him to mingle with other children until it is 
.certain that he is not infected.' 



Children's Diseases 73 

Care and Treatment 

The patient should be confined strictly to one room, 
with plenty of fresh air but not in a draft. 

Give tepid sponge baths, cool compresses over the 
abdomen, and cool enemas to reduce fever. If the erup- 
tion is slow in appearing, give a warm full bath and 
sponge the skin with hot water. There is no danger 
that the eruption will be " driven in." 

For headache, apply a cold compress to the neck. 
The mouth should be rinsed frequently with a saturated 
solution of boracic acid. 

For foul breath, give a gargle of a solution of one 
part peroxide of hydrogen to two parts water. This 
solution may also be used for swabbing the throat. An- 
other good solution for use with a swab is a half tea- 
spoonful of permanganate of potash to a pint of water. 

Should there be earache, apply heat to the side of 
the head, as hot as can be borne. Use fomentations 
(see page 98) or a hot water bottle or any other means 
of applying heat. Symptoms of inflammation of the mid- 
dle ear are pain in the ear, tenderness over the bony 
prominence behind the ear, drowsiness, and moaning in 
the sleep. If possible a physician should be called at 
once. If the drum membrane is lanced early, it will 
prevent the forming of an abscess in the bony cells be- 
hind the ear, which might otherwise break into the 
cranial cavity. Early attention may mean the preser- 
vation of the hearing. 

Inflammation of the kidneys sometimes occurs, at- 
tended with suppression of the urine and general dropsy. 
Apply fomentations to the small of the back. Induce 
free perspiration with the hot pack (see page 103), 
vapor bath, or warm bath, with abundance of water to 
drink. Wrap in warm blankets following the bath, in 
order to continue the sweating. Do not give tea, coffee, 



74 Epidemics: How to Meet Them 

or cocoa, and absolutely withhold meat. No food at all 
should be given for twelve hours. This is a serious 
condition, and should have prompt and vigorous at- 
tention. 

Those having the care of the patient should give 
their entire time, and not do anything which will bring 
them in contact with other members of the household. 

Disinfection 

The discharges from the mouth and nasal passages 
should be received in pieces of cloth or soft paper, and 
immediately burned. The dishes and all articles taken 
from the sick-room should be thoroughly disinfected by 
scalding or boiling. 

Great care should be exercised to wash the hands 
frequently with strong soap, and not to come in contact 
with other children after having handled the utensils 
of the sick-room or being about the patient. Do not 
touch the door knob unless the hands have been washed, 
Of course the child should not be kissed. 

Scarlatina 

Scarlatina and scarlet rash are other names for 
scarlet fever. Scarlatina should not be regarded as a 
harmless affection. When scarlet fever in any form 
is in the neighborhood, children should be kept off the 
streets and away from places where children gather, 
and particularly from children who are ailing, or have 
sore throats, or a rash of any kind. A child that has 
contracted the disease should be isolated, thus prevent- 
ing its spread to others. No child should return to 
school from an infected home until permission is given 
by the health officers. 

The patient is not well until peeling of the skin has 
ceased and there is no discharge of pus. 



Children's Diseases 75 

Disinfection 

Disinfection may be accomplished as follows : Worth- 
less articles should be burned; clothing, bedding, and 
such things *as can be boiled, should be boiled for half 
an hour. Eating utensils should be scalded with boil- 
ing water. The room should be fumigated with for- 
maldehyde gas, made by placing formalin in a ten- 
quart pail and pouring permanganate of potash over it. 
Use one pint of formalin and one-half pound of potash 
for every 1,000 cubic feet of air space. The room 
should remain tightly closed four hours; then open it 
and allow the gas to escape. Leave the room to air 
thoroughly for several days. Expose the curtains, rugs, 
mattress, etc., to the sunshine, and beat them well be- 
fore using. 

Diphtheria 

Another dangerous disease easily communicated is 
diphtheria. While it is particularly dangerous to chil- 
dren, adults are also affected. Mild cases are to be 
feared because infection from them may cause serious 
cases. Not a great many years ago a single case of 
diphtheria in a community meant much business for 
the undertakers. The disease is now being brought 
somewhat under control 

Diphtheria is transmitted by direct contact with 
infected persons or objects. It does not fly about in the 
air, though it may be conveyed in the spray from the 
throat in coughing. To avoid infection one should 
avoid handling or coming in contact with any article* 
that has been exposed to the infection. The disease 
germ can be carried in milk and other foodstuffs. It 
is therefore necessary that great care be exercised to 
see that a person having the disease does # not come in 
contact with food that others are to use. Sometimes 
the disease is conveyed by a person known as a " car- 



76 Epidemics: Hoiv to Meet Them 

rier," — one who carries about with him the diphtheria 
germs, yet does not have the disease. Any person who 
has been exposed to the disease may become a carrier. 
With diphtheria, as with scarlet fever, the greatest 
vigilance should be exercised. 

Symptoms 

The disease begins with sore throat and fever, 
though the fever may not run high. Sometimes there 
is prostration, and the glands of the neck at the angle 
of the jaw are often swollen and tender. Whitish or 
grayish spots appear in the throat, and sometimes ex- 
tend so as to form a false membrane on the tonsils or 
on the back of the throat. Sometimes the membrane 
forms in the windpipe, causing what is known as mem- 
branous croup. Very often the nose is affected. This 
is indicated by a discharge and frequent bleeding. It 
is difficult to distinguish a mild case of diphtheria from 
simple sore throat. 

Care and Treatment 

If a child has sore throat, it is always best to find 
out at once what is the trouble. It may be diphtheria, 
or scarlet fever, or the approach of some other dan- 
gerous disease. Therefore the doctor should be con- 
sulted as early as possible. It may be necessary to 
have a laboratory test made of a specimen from the 
throat, to determine the character of the disease. Do 
not wait, however, until the doctor comes before iso- 
lating the child from other children. 

You need the doctor to tell you what to do to prevent 
the spread of the disease, and also to administer diph- 
theria antitoxin, which is not only a curative measure 
but a preventive as well. If one person in the house 
has diphtheria, a small dose of antitoxin given to each 
of the other members of the household will probably 
prevent its further development. 



Children's Diseases 77 

The patient should be immediately put in a room 
by himself, first taking everything out of the room that 
is not needed. The room should be kept neat and clean, 
and well ventilated, and no one but the attendants 
should be admitted. 

Extreme care should be exercised in the handling 
of all articles used in the sick-room so that the infection 
shall not be carried to others. The precautions given 
for other children's diseases already considered in this 
chapter are in place in the care of diphtheria. 

Suggestions 

It should be remembered that the diseases we have 
considered in this section are most dangerous to young 
children, and the longer children can be kept from 
having them the better. The younger they are when 
they have the disease the more likely they are to die. 
If you believe that it is impossible to keep your chil- 
dren from having these diseases, determine to defer 
the evil day as long as possible, and thus lessen the 
chance of their having them at all. 

Teach children to be on guard against these maladies. 
Let them know that they do not " catch " diseases in 
the ordinary sense of the word, but that they " take " 
them by getting disease germs into the mouth or nose. 
Teach them that it is possible for people to communicate 
dangerous disease germs by means of the discharge 
from the nose, throat, and mouth. Let them learn not 
to put into the mouth anything that other children have 
had in theirs, such as lead pencils, slate pencils, chewing 
gum. This should be especially and frequently im- 
pressed upon every child, and a good example should 
be set in the home. 



(Ss. 



?sus&&j\dt 



Pork 

Heboltsasandwichandsomebe 

Apieceortwoof pie ; 
Andgulpsacupofcoffeed 

Whileyoucanbatyoureyer 




IF THE COUNSEL BE GOOD, NO MATTER WHO GAVE IT' 



78 




Life is not merely to live, but to be well." 



PREVENTION OF DISEASE 

Immunity to an epidemic disease, or to any other 
sickness, requires good blood. The blood, as well as 
every other organ and tissue of the body, is made from 
the materials taken into the system. To have good blood 
one must eat good food, drink pure water, and breathe 
pure air. Exercise, sleep, and rest enter into the ac- 
count as well, but food is the principal factor in health 
building. 

Good blood cannot be made from bad food. The 
body has wonderful capabilities, but no provision is 
made for converting poor food material into healthy 
blood. Good food may be spoiled by poor milling, 
adulteration, improper care, decomposition, bad cook- 
ing, and in various other ways. Some foods are in- 
ferior to begin with. The digestive apparatus of the 
human body can only do its best with such material as 
is furnished it; for the body does not manufacture food 
material. 

79 



80 Epidemics: How to Meet Them 

Good Food and Good Sense 

The original diet given man was composed of grains, 
fruits, nuts, and vegetables. These contain all the nour- 
ishment ordinarily required for the maintenance of 
health and strength, and are, in their natural state, 
free from disease elements. The variety to select from 
is extensive enough to suit all conditions of season, 
climate, and occupation. Individual natural tastes and 
needs may be fully met. Good sense and sound judg- 
ment, free from faddish notions, should lead persons to 
select from that which is good such foods as are good 
for them and suited to their needs; for not all persons 
can eat alike. 

Simplicity in Preparation 

Simplicity in the preparation of food is best. Com- 
plicated mixtures, greasy preparations, highly seasoned 
foods, and rich pastries are bad for any one. A small 
variety at a time, but a wide variety in general, should 
be used. All the elements of nutrition must be sup- 
plied, or the body will suffer. Other things being right, 
a properly balanced diet, prepared in a wholesome and 
palatable manner and then eaten as it should be, will 
keep one in perfect health. The use of all other health 
measures will not make up for an inadequate dietary. 

Full- Value Foods 

Cereals containing all their original food properties 
are especially valuable. Fine flour, polished rice, and 
many of the manufactured cereal products lack certain 
essential elements which have been eliminated in the 
process of manufacture. 

Recent food investigation brings to our knowledge 
the fact that certain elements called vitamines are pres- 
ent in the skin, or covering, of grains, fresh fruit, raw 
milk, egg yolk, and fresh vegetables. A diet lacking in 



Prevention of Disease 81 

vitamines will, it is said, lead to scurvy, beriberi, and 
pellagra. Other serious disturbances may result. A 
certain amount of raw foods is necessary to perfect 
nutrition and health. 

Milk is one of the best of foods, when secured from 
healthy cows and properly cared for. Growing chil- 
dren especially need it. But it is readily contaminated 
by impurities, and is a favorable medium for the 
growth of disease germs, as typhoid fever and diarrhea, 
or "summer complaint." Milk should be kept in a 
cool place, covered, and always protected from flies; for 
flies are most active in carrying germs from infected 
matter to food materials. If to be used for infants, 
milk should be kept on ice, in the cellar, or suspended 
in a well. 

Cottage cheese is a valuable food, and if properly 
prepared in a cleanly manner from good milk, is whole- 
some and digestible. It is comparatively inexpensive. 

Cream is the best form of animal fat. Butter, if 
used, should be fresh and clean, for bad butter is most 
objectionable. 

Spare the Sugar 

Sugar is a concentrated food. It is ready for im- 
mediate use in the system, and a certain amount of 
it is needed. Probably most persons use too much. 
Starch is converted into sugar in the process of di- 
gestion, and a properly balanced diet supplies all the 
sweet that the body really needs. Add to this the extra 
amount eaten in the form of candy, sirups, in cakes, 
pastries, jellies, jams, puddings, etc., and it will be seen 
that there is danger of eating too much sugar. 

Sugar undergoes fermentation readily, and when 
taken into the stomach in larger quantities than can be 
properly absorbed, it is sure to cause acidity, gastric 
catarrh, and other similar troubles. Overtaxing the 
liver and kidneys leads to permanent disorders in these 
6 



82 Epidemics: How to Meet Them 

organs. The free use of milk and sugar in combination 
should especially be avoided. 

Nuts 

Nuts are food, should be used as such, and should 
not be eaten between meals. Herein probably lies the 
difficulty some persons experience in eating nuts. Nuts 
are rich in fat and protein, and some may find them a 
little difficult to digest. Improperly chewed or eaten 
between meals, they often make trouble. 

Nuts in various forms lend themselves to the prep- 
aration of wholesome and palatable dishes; but nut 
foods should not be eaten too freely. Roasted peanuts 
are often overroasted. 

Fruits contain acids and inorganic salts needed by 
the body, and every one should eat some fruit. Some 
persons cannot eat strongly acid fruits, but may be 
able to use the subacid or mild kinds. Persons with 
feeble digestion cannot eat fruits and vegetables to- 
gether; this is probably the reason why some persons 
think they cannot eat fruit at all. 

Errors Regarding Meat 

Very wrong notions prevail regarding the value of 
flesh as food and the necessity of using it. Although 
many eminent medical authorities maintain that meat 
is not essential, some persons continue to make it their 
mainstay in food. At best, meat is second-hand food, 
and as such is not the best. The animal makes food 
only of what it eats, and adds not a particle of nutri- 
ment. When man eats the animal, he gets only that 
which has not been used by the animal for its own life 
and sustenance, plus the impurities of broken-down 
animal tissue. Some of these impurities are highly 
stimulating, but never nourishing. 

Normally, the eliminative organs have enough to 
do to eliminate the normal body wastes, which include 



Prevention of Disease 83 

the ever-present products of tissue breakdown. When 
flesh is eaten, the added waste lays upon the eliminative 
organs extra work, and militates to that extent against 
health. Besides, very many animals are themselves dis- 
eased This increases the risk to man when he partakes 
of animal products. Some of the diseases we have con- 
sidered — tuberculosis and cancer, for example — are 
sometimes directly traceable to flesh eating. 

Pork is particularly objectionable as human food. 
The Bible forbids its use because it is " unclean." (See 
Deut. 14: 8 and Isa. 66: 17.) The natural eating habits 
of the hog place him in the scavenger class, and his 
flesh cannot be considered a wholesome food for man. 

Fish having access to the filthy drainage of sewers 
are not wholesome. It should be remembered that fish 
readily decompose, and when marketed some distance 
from where they are caught, with possibly poor re- 
frigerating conditions, their use, especially in warm 
weather, becomes questionable and often positively un- 
safe. 

Tea and Coffee 

The use of tea and coffee is unnecessary so far as 
nutrition is concerned, for these articles are not foods. 
Because of their stimulating effects, they are supposed 
by many to be nutritious. Tea and coffee contain active 
toxic, or poisonous, substances, which at first exhilarate 
and excite the nerves of the stomach, then of the brain, 
the heart, and the entire system. But this stimulation 
is followed by a corresponding degree of weakness or 
debility. What seemed additional strength is the drug 
effect. Whipping a horse does not give him strength. 

Tea and coffee also possess elements that neutralize 
the effect of the gastric juice, thus hindering digestion. 
Instead of adding anything good to the body, they rob 
it of energy. Their constant use is sure to do harm. 
Forcing the nerves by stimulation means overwork in- 



84 Epidemics: How to Meet Them 

stead of rest, and gradually draws upon the vitality 
until general nervousness results, with headache, sleep- 
lessness, heart palpitation, indigestion, and various 
other ills. 

The habit these beverages often fasten upon the user 
should be a warning that they are not food. It is wise 
to shun anything that creates a habit, such as tea, 
coffee, tobacco, and alcohol. 

The Need of Bulk 

An important consideration in diet is bulk. Man 
needs " roughage," or " fodder," the same as other ani- 
mals. His alimentary tract of about thirty feet is in- 
tended to work, and when not given work to do, it gets 
out of working order. Constipation results, and people 
depend on pills to do the "work." The cellulose, or 
woody fiber, of vegetables is valuable in giving the in- 
testines enough mass for doing thorough and perfect 
work. Lettuce, spinach, celery, cabbage, and most of 
the vegetables are natural bowel cleansers. 

Enough hard foods should be eaten to insure thorough 
mastication. This gives the salivary glands a chance 
to do their important part in starch digestion. It also 
provides exercise for the teeth and helps in their pres- 
ervation. The mouth contains all the teeth; there are 
none in the stomach. So chewing must be done in 
the mouth, and the longer time the food spends there 
— within reason, of course — the less time does it need 
to spend in the stomach. Swallowing bits of imper- 
fectly chewed food may mean trouble, — about thirty 
feet of it, and no telling for how long a time. Good 
chewing is a part of good digestion. If you have but 
a little time to eat a meal, eat less but chew well. 

Regularity 

The importance of regularity in eating cannot be 
too strongly emphasized. Eating between meals will 



Prevention of Disease 85 

break down the best kind of digestive system, and this 
is a long step toward a general breakdown. Irregulari- 
ties of this sort interfere with digestion, upset the normal 
appetite, and take away the real enjoyment of eating. 
Much of the digestive trouble experienced is not due 
so much to the foods eaten as to the way they are eaten, 
and what is taken between the regular meals. Many 
persons would benefit by eating only two meals a day. 

Moderation 

Overeating is perhaps one of the greatest causes of 
disease. It is what is digested that nourishes, not merely 
what is eaten. An excess of food is not only unnec- 
essary, but throws upon the system extra work in dis- 
posing of the surplus. The " all-gone " feeling result- 
ing from overeating is often mistaken for hunger; when, 
in truth, it is the cry of a tired stomach calling for 
rest. More than that, a surplus of food is often the 
cause of serious illness because of morbid conditions 
set up by the food's spoiling within the body. 

There is something else that aids good digestion, — 
work or physical exercise. Moderate exercise just after 
eating is usually advisable, but violent exercise is not, 
for a large amount of blood is required at that time by 
the digestive organs. The human machine was built to 
run, and should run to keep in good running order. 
The divine command is that man is to eat his bread in 
the sweat of his face. (See Gen. 3: 19.) This means 
that a man should work enough to sweat if he would 
be able to take care of his food. 

Following work comes rest, which includes sleep, 
during which the recuperative processes are at work. 
It is during sleep principally that food is assimilated 
and the body built up and repaired. All this goes to 
promote health and ward off epidemic diseases. 




AN EGYPTIAN MOTHER 




' Cleanliness is indeed next to Godliness." — John Wesley. 



A CLEAN BODY 

Epidemics take the larger share of their victims from 
among those who are most susceptible to disease because 
of low vital resistance. Germs thrive best in a body that 
is full of natural poisons; therefore when the system is 
already taxed with caring for an abnormal amount of 
waste, it is not in a favorable condition to resist disease 
germs. 

Nature's Cleanser 

Water is a natural solvent and cleanser, and it oper- 
ates inside the body as well as outside. It is the nat- 
ural element for washing the body tissues. It dissolves 
the waste materials of the system, which are then car- 
ried out of the body in solution by the various elimi- 
native organs. Hence it is apparent that a sufficient 
amount of water must be taken into the body to secure 
the proper functioning of every organ and gland and to 
supply the principal medium of elimination. Both as- 
similation and excretion require water. 



88 Epidemics: Hoiv to Meet Them 

The question as to how much water a person should 
drink in twenty-four hours, is important. A man can 
go without food for many days, but he cannot live long 
without water. Health depends very much on the 
amount of pure water taken. Young people need more 
water than adults. 

Not only is the waste matter washed out by water, 
but every cell gets its food by means of a watercourse. 
The plasma, or liquid part of the blood, is a fluid in 
which the blood cells live very much as fish do in the 
sea. When the system becomes loaded with poisons, 




Not too much! Only eight glasses (two quarts) for a hot day. 

they must be diluted so they can be eliminated, or 
thrown off, by the excretory organs. The principal or- 
gans engaged in this work are the kidneys, skin, lungs, 
and bowels. 

Elimination by the Kidneys 

The kidneys remove more water and poisons from the 
body than any other organ. Under normal conditions 
they should remove daily one ounce of urine for every 
three pounds of the person's weight. Dividing the 
weight of the body by three gives the number of ounces 
of urine that should be eliminated in twenty-four hours 
(sixteen ounces equal a pint; eight ounces equal one-half 
pint, or one glass) ; so the average person in good 
health with normal kidneys should pass about forty 



A Clean Body 89 

ounces, or two and one-half pints, of urine in twenty-, 
four hours. 

A Good Drink Habit 

The average person should drink daily six glasses of 
water in cold weather and eight in hot weather. Persons 
who perspire freely may need more than this. The 
quantity required depends somewhat on the kind of 
food eaten. Fruits and certain vegetables supply a large 
quantity of water. Except in case of persons having 
heart trouble or dropsy, there is little danger of drink- 
ing too much water; although too much may be taken 
at one time. Drinking freely at meals is not a good 
practice, one serious objection being that the food is 
washed down without being properly masticated. 

Elimination by the Skin 

The elimination of water and poisons by the skin is 
an important function. The skin is full of little sweat 
glands, each a small sewer, by which the poisons are 
eliminated from the system. Even when there is no 
perceptible perspiration, this elimination is going on, 
as is easily demonstrated if a part of the body is covered 
with a rubber garment. A low estimate of the imper- 
ceptible perspiration eliminated by the skin in twenty- 
four hours is one-half pint to a pint. When a person 
sweats freely, the amount is much greater. 

Elimination by the Lungs 

The lungs also eliminate a considerable quantity of 
moisture. This is easily demonstrated by breathing 
against a cold glass. The* quantity eliminated in this 
way is not so easily estimated, however, as much depends 
on the degree of moisture in the air. On rainy days we 
drink very little water, while on a dry, windy day a 
large qtiantity is required. A low estimate, then, is one 
to two glasses of water to be eliminated by the lungs 
daily. 



90 Epidemics: Hotv to Meet Them 

Amount for Children 

The above figures for the elimination of water and 
poisons by the skin, kidneys, and lungs are for grown 
persons. For children the ratio should be increased. 

To sum up: A person weighing 120 pounds should 
drink eight glasses of liquid daily, so that the kidneys 
can eliminate two and one-half pints, the skin three 
quarters of a pint, and the lungs about the same quan- 
tity. 

A Clogged Sewer System 

When there is not proper elimination, the power to 
fight disease is lowered, and the person feels dull and 
stupid. Or he may be restless, and wake up in the night 
with a nervous headache or backache or a palpitating 
heart. The digestive system is out of order. Some con- 
sider this a sign of biliousness; others lay it to con- 
stipation; or both conditions may be present, due to a 
shortage of water in the system. The eliminative organs 
cannot do their work because of the lack of water. 

When one or more of the above symptoms appears, 
it is time to begin checking up on the elimination. 
Watch the kidneys, double the amount of water drunk, 
and adopt a light diet with plenty of fruit for a few 
days. An increase in physical exercise will increase the 
demand for water, and will also aid all the eliminative 
organs in their work. 

A Good Remedy for Colds and Grip 

Experience has shown that the free drinking of water 
is valuable in the cure and prevention of colds and grip, 
and recently water drinking has been used with wonder- 
ful success in the treatment of influenza. 

When a person is taken with influenza, the elimi- 
native organs must be put actively to work at once in 
order to help the system fight the disease. First take 
a light physic prepared in the following way: 



A Clean Body 91 

Dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in four glasses of 
water. This makes what is known as a normal salt 
solution. Hot water is better than cold, but if it is too 
nauseating, cold may be used. A glass of this drunk 
every five minutes until all is taken usually acts as a 
physic ; if not, it will be absorbed qtiickly, and will start 
the eliminative organs to working. 

From two to four cups of hot lemonade, with a small 
amount of sugar, may be taken to advantage a little 
while after drinking the salt water, so that from four to 
eight glasses of water will be taken in about an hour. 
Such copious water drinking in connection with a hot 
foot bath and a sweat, and if possible, rest in bed, is a 
very efficacious treatment. In influenza the water drink- 
ing should be kept up, no less than one glass being taken 
every two hours, so as to secure good elimination. 
Drink as much water as can be taken with comfort. 
This will aid the body in throwing off poisons, and help 
in preventing complications. 

The Tub Bath 

Water as a cleanser for the inside of the body has 
been considered, but it must not be forgotten that water 
is important for the outside as well. Warm baths aid 
in elimination by opening the pores of the skin. Pro- 
longed hot baths are weakening; therefore the hot bath 
should be short, and should be followed by a short ap- 
plication of cool or cold water for the tonic effect. 

A brief cool or cold bath, followed by brisk rubbing 
and quick drying, is an excellent tonic, and most per- 
sons would benefit by its daily morning use. If a 
bathtub is used, the water should be run in to the depth 
of about two inches. The patient, sitting in the tub, 
should briskly rub the legs, chest, and abdomen; then 
lie down so that the whole body is wet; then get out 
of the tub and dry the body quickly with a bath towel. 



92 Epidemics: Hoiv to Meet Them 

The Hand Bath 

A hand bath may be taken with a small quantity of 
water in a basin. The water should be applied quickly, 
and the body dried at once. If the patient is inclined 
to chilliness, only a part of the body should be bathed at 
a time, keeping the rest covered, first one arm, then the 
other, then the chest, the abdomen, each of the legs in 




Having a Good Time 

turn, and the back. In every case the room should be 
warm enough to prevent chilling. If managed carefully, 
the hand bath should bring a glow of comfort. 

If a shower bath is available, the same effect may be 
secured and the bath may be enjoyed more. Whichever 
way it is taken, this bath will prove beneficial, as it in- 
vigorates the entire system, — blood circulation, elimi- 
native organs, and all. The reaction, or warming up, 
should be immediate. One should not feel languid, de- 
pressed, or weak after such a bath, but on the contrary 
should feel refreshed. 



A Clean Body 93 

Constipation 

Keeping the body free from its natural waste and 
poisons requires careful attention to the bowels. Con- 
stipation is not epidemic nor " catching," but it is so 
common and its effects are so serious that it may be 
considered almost as bad as some of the epidemic dis- 
eases. The retention of the bowel contents is productive 
of great harm, as this putrefying mass contains poisons 
which are reabsorbed into the system, affecting almost 
all the organs and impairing their functions. The cir- 
culation is impeded and the blood quality lowered. Piles 
often result, sometimes becoming serious enough to re- 
quire surgical attention. With a lowered vital resistance, 
the body is unable to resist colds, and thus the way is 
paved for other serious ailments. Headache is a common 
accompaniment. 

One of the most serious results of the poisoning of 
nerve centers is the mental depression occasioned by it. 
Little tasks look big, small troubles and grievances are 
magnified, and hope and cheer are almost lost. Persons 
suffering in this way are looking out from an interior 
where everything is dark. Not only the blood and skin, 
but the thoughts are dingy. 

Common-Sense Remedies 

First, cultivate regularity of habit. Going to stool 
at a certain time daily, even when there is no natural 
desire, helps to establish bowel regularity. Neglecting 
the call to move the bowels causes the desire to pass 
away, for the peristaltic action of the bowels forces the 
contents of the lower bowel upward, and the fecal mat- 
ter passes out of the rectum into the bowel and causes 
much trouble. If the neglect is long continued, the 
natural desire becomes less and less until it disappears. 
Fortunately, in most cases, even in those of long stand- 



94 Epidemics: How to Meet Them 

ing, it is possible to re-establish a correct bowel habit. 
Special care and treatment will be necessary, however. 

To cure constipation, do not resort to pills and ca- 
thartics, for they only increase the difficulty. The use 
of the enema may likewise become objectionable, because 
of the dependence that is liable to be placed on it in- 
stead of correcting the trouble itself. Sometimes the 
graduated enema proves helpful. In taking a graduated 
enema, begin with an ordinary enema, and then from 
day to day gradually reduce the quantity and temper- 
ature of the water, until the bowels have learned to move 
naturally. Eating an orange or drinking a glass or two 
of cold water before breakfast is sometimes helpful. 

The injection of two tablespoonfuls of glycerine at 
night and retaining it till morning, will serve to soften 
the bowel contents. Massage, or deep kneading, of the 
abdomen, administered by another, the patient lying 
on the back with knees drawn partly up to relax the 
abdominal muscles, may be given. This massage can be 
self-administered with some success while seated at stool. 
Follow the colon up the left side with a kneading motion, 
cross just above the umbilicus (navel) , and continue 
down the right side. The idea is to force the contents 
toward the rectum, making room for it farther up in 
the colon. 

The use of mineral oil (liquid paraffin), sometimes 
called Russian oil, is quite strongly recommended as a 
harmless laxative, as it does not create a habit and is 
not absorbed. It merely acts as a lubricant. 

The use of natural laxative foods is the best remedy 
for constipation. Figs, prunes, most fruits, ripe olives, 
fresh vegetables (especially the green-leaf varieties), oat- 
meal, whole-wheat bread, and bran are especially good. 
The use of much fine-flour bread, polished rice, and boiled 
milk should be avoided; also tea and coffee. 



A Clean Body 



95 



There is evidently great benefit in using foods that 
have not been robbed of their natural elements. The 
mineral salts, vitamines, and perhaps other elements 
are not present in very large quantities, and this very 
fact indicates that they are of high value in supplying 
the body with essential health factors. Persons fre- 
quently recover from long-standing constipation and gen- 
eral lowered vitality upon adopting a dietary containing 
all the food elements. Such foods seem to contain some 
of nature's true bowel regulators and blood tonics. 




© u. & u., N. y, 



**A Human Flower of Childhood" 




96 



THE OLD WAY 




1 The more perfect our health, the more perfect will be our labor.' 



HOME TREATMENTS 

The recent siege of influenza brought to our attention 
in a very definite way the need of knowledge in the home 
care of the sick. With the heavy war demands on phy- 
sicians and nurses, the civilian population had to get 
along with less professional help than formerly. Medical 
authorities are emphasizing the importance of disease 
prevention by careful living, and of the home care and 
treatment of the more simple ailments. 

The value of proper food, good nursing, and ra- 
tional treatment is becoming more and more recognized 
by the medical world. A more conservative use of drugs 
is advised, with the acknowledgment on the part of 
many that drugs do not cure disease, but that their effect 
is rather to change the nature of the disease. It is 
pointed out that the aim of any treatment should be to 
help nature in her fight against disease. 

Nature prefers her own remedies, such as pure air, 
sunlight, rest, good food, water, suitable exercise. In- 
deed, one of the most effective curative agencies is water. 
Its use in the treatment of disease is known as hydro- 

7 97 



93 Epidemics: How to Meet Them 

therapy, and this treatment is gaining greatly in favor 
and popularity. It is a system of treatment readily 
available in some form in every home. 

Water treatments are very effective, often accom- 
plishing results not easily obtainable, if at all, by any 
other means. The more skill one possesses in the use 
of water treatments, the better; for it should be borne 
in mind that because of the very definite and positive 
effects possible through this means, great harm may be 
done as well as great good. But some of the methods 
are very simple, and may be learned by almost any one. 
This knowledge may be of great value in the home, espe- 
cially in time of epidemic. The physician will appre- 
ciate the help that can be given by one fairly intelligent 
in the administration of some of the simpler measures 
of water treatment. 

In the home care of the sick there are a number of 
treatments that may be given in the absence of the 
doctor and the trained nurse, by any one who will exer- 
cise caution and judgment. No unskilled person should 
attempt to administer treatments which are complicated 
or which may involve danger to the patient. The aver- 
age person can learn how to give what are called " sim- 
ple treatments," which are quite efficacious, and may 
prove very valuable in affording immediate relief, if care- 
fully given. 

The Fomentation 

The fomentation, or hot compress, — the application 
of moist heat to local areas of the body, — is serviceable 
in a great many ways in home treatments. The method 
of giving a fomentation is quite simple, and this form of 
treatment can be given almost anywhere. A fomenta- 
tion is most commonly prepared by wringing cloths out 
of boiling water, though there are other ways of obtain- 
ing the moist heat; as, for example, by wrapping a hot 



Home Treatments 99 

brick, a hot stone, a bag of hot sand, or some other hot 
article in moist cloths, or even in wet paper. The pur- 
pose is to secure a moist heat at as high a temperature 
as can be borne by the body. 

A set of good fomentation cloths is invaluable. The 
best material is a half-wool-and-half-cotton blanket, not 
necessarily new. One blanket will make four cloths, two 
to be used wet and two dry. However, discarded under- 
wear, an old shawl, or other similar material may be 
used. Wool-and-cotton-mixture goods is best, the wool 
serving to retain the heat and the cotton preventing too 
much shrinkage. Towels may be used if necessary, but 
are not so good as mixed woolens. 

In giving fomentations there is needed a vessel suffi- 
ciently deep to contain enough water to entirely cover 
the cloth. If heat is available near the patient, it is best 
to wring the fomentation cloths directly from the kettle 
or other vessel in which the water is kept boiling. If the 
treatment is given some distance from the fire, a pail is 
needed for carrying the hot water to the patient's room. 
Protect the floor from the heat, and cover the pail to 
retain the heat. Or the fomentation cloths may be wrung 
from the boiling water and left tightly twisted, placed 
in a covered pail, and carried to the room. They should 
be left tightly twisted until applied to the part to be 
treated. 

Spread a dry cloth on a flat surface. It is preferable 
always to reserve the same cloth, or cloths, for dry use. 
In wringing the wet one, first fold it loosely, hold by 
each end, and place the middle part in the boiling water. 
Wring over the vessel by twisting tightly and then 
stretching (Fig. 1). If the left hand is placed just out- 
side the vessel, allowing the cloth to rest on the edge, 
the cloth can be twisted and pulled by the right hand, 
as it is wrung, and the water will run down the cloth 
into the vessel at the edge without burning the hands. 



100 Epidemics: How to Meet Them 

It is best to have cloths long enough to keep the ends 
dry. Short cloths may be wrung by placing them in a 
towel and then twisting. A little trick in getting the 
cloth very hot, and quickly so, is to press the whole sur- 
face of it on the bottom of the vessel, thus bringing it 




Fig. 1. Wringing the Fomentation 

in direct contact with the heat. This is particularly 
practical when in a hurry. Do not unwring the wet 
cloth until ready to fold within the dry one. Work 
quickly when doing this. 

The shape of the cloth should be according to the 
area to be treated. It should always be several inches 
larger than the part treated. If the fomentation is 
for the spine, make the fold about six inches wide and 
long enough to cover the full length of the spine. After 



Home Treatments 



101 



folding the wet cloth within the dry one (Fig. 2), double 
it on itself so as to retain as much of the heat as possible. 
Unfold the fomentation only as it is applied to the pa- 
tient (Fig. 3). Do not remove the wet cloth from the 
dry one. When placing the wet cloth within the dry, 
allow one thickness of dry blanket on one side and two 
thicknesses on the other. The patient at first may be 




Fig. 2. Folding the Fomentation 

sensitive to the heat, and will bear the double thickness 
of dry, when the single thickness will be too hot. In 
a few minutes the cloth may be turned over, using the 
single thickness. In the meantime, however, a towel or 
other covering should be kept over the entire cloth so 
as to retain the heat. 

It should be constantly borne in mind that a fomen- 
tation cloth should be hot. Harm may be done by using 
cloths that are only warm, or by allowing hot cloths to 
get too cool. The fomentation should be changed as soon 
as it becomes cool, that is, when it is comfortable to the 



102 



Epidemics: How to Meet Them 



patient. This is one time when a treatment should not 
be too comfortable. A good way to secure the full benefit 
of the heat is to leave the dry cloth on the patient, sim- 
ply opening it to permit the exchanging of the wet cloth 
for a newly heated one. In this case the wet cloth is not 
untwisted until it is directly placed within the dry cloth 
covering the part treated. If two cloths, folded together, 
are used for the wet, the heat will be retained longer. 




Fig. 3. Applying the Fomentation 

The heat may be prolonged by placing a hot water bottle 
over the fomentation. The changes should always be 
made quickly and without undue exposure of the part 
treated. Care should be taken to guard against chilling. 
A more intense effect may be derived by alternating 
cold with the hot cloths. After each application of the 
fomentation, cold is applied by a towel wrung out of cold 
water, or by a piece of ice, after which the part is quickly 
dried. The cold application should be very short ; if with 
a towel, about thirty seconds; if with ice, only a few 
strokes should be given. The cold may be applied by 
the hand dipped in cold water, the colder the better. 



Home Treatments !03 

The hot fomentation cloth should be ready to apply as 
soon as the cold has been given. This is important. 

Usually three applications are given, the treatment 
lasting from fifteen to thirty minutes. The duration of 
each application is from five to ten minutes, according 
to the degree of heat and the manner in which the 
patient bears it. Those who are accustomed to taking 
fomentations can take them quite hot. At the close 
of the treatment, quickly apply cold to the part treated, 
then thoroughly dry, and cover. 

Care should be taken against burning. If the pa- 
tient insists that the fomentation is too hot, lift it at 
once. While desiring to have the application as hot as 
possible, care must be taken not to have it too hot. 
Bony prominences, where there is but little flesh, are 
most susceptible to burning. Unconscious, paralyzed, 
aged, or very young persons cannot protect themselves 
against burning, and here, again, special care is neces- 
sary to avoid such an accident. 

An emergency fomentation or one for the continued 
application of heat, may be given as follows: 

Lay out from fifteen to twenty sheets of newspaper ; 
on these place several thicknesses of cloth, and pour on 
boiling water until the cloths are well moistened. Fold 
the cloths within the newspapers and apply, placing a 
towel or another cloth between the patient and the 
papers. The cloths may be dipped in boiling water in- 
stead of having the water poured on them. They should 
be left quite wet, but not dripping. This fomentation 
will retain the heat a half hour or more. 

The Hot Blanket Pack 

The hot blanket pack is an application of moist heat 
to the entire body. The articles necessary to give it are 
four or five blankets, a pillow, a rubber sheet if avail- 
able, three or four hot water bottles, cold water for com- 



104 



Epidemics: Hoiv to Meet Them 



presses for the head and heart, a tub or pail for the 
foot bath, and several towels. The treatment may be 
given on a couch or in bed. 

It is well first to secure an action of the bowels by 
an enema, if necessary, then give a hot foot bath. The 
drinking of hot water or hot lemonade only slightly 




Fig. 4. Wringing the Blanket for Pack 

sweetened will facilitate perspiration in the pack to fol- 
low. Hot drink may also be given while in the pack. • 

Spread dry blankets on the bed or couch, letting them 
come up well on the pillow. Fold one blanket single or 
double (the double retains heat longer) lengthwise, and 
wring out of boiling water. Two persons can wring the 
blanket better than one (Fig. 4) , unless a wringer is used. 
The patient should be undressed and ready to get on the 
blanket as soon as it is opened. Keep the blanket folded 
or tightly twisted until ready to place it on the bed. 
Open quickly to avoid losing heat. If wrung dry, there 
is little danger of burning. 



Home Treatments 



105 



The patient lies down on the blanket as soon as it is 
opened, and is wrapped in it. It is best to have the 
arms between folds of the blanket rather than next to 




Fig. 5. Patient Partially Wrapped in Pack 

the body. After the wet blanket is wrapped closely about 
the patient, bring up a dry blanket, one side at a time, 
and wrap about him (Fig. 5). Place a hot water bag 
between the legs, one at the feet, and one on each side. 




Fig. 6. Blanket Pack Completed 

Then bring up and fold over him the other dry blankets 
that have been placed on the bed (Fig 6)/ The wet 
blanket must come in contact with the body up to the 
chin, and both it and the dry blankets should be well 
tucked in at the feet and the neck to exclude all ah\ 



106 Epidemics: How to Meet Them 

A towel at the chin will protect it from the chafing of 
the blankets. 

A cool compress (a towel wrung out of cold water) 
should be kept on the head (see Fig. 6), renewing it as 
often as needed to keep it cool. In case of faintness or 
weak heart action, indicated by shortness of breath, place 
a cool compress or an ice bag over the heart. 

This treatment is exhausting, and should not be too 
greatly prolonged or given too frequently. From twenty 
to thirty minutes should be the duration. One such 
treatment a day is sufficient, with the other treatments 
recommended. 

In taking the patient out of the pack, unwrap one 
blanket at a time. Give a sponge bath or a cold towel 
rub as the wet blanket is removed, exposing and bathing 
a portion of the body at a time and drying and covering 
the same, — first one arm, then the other arm, the chest, 
the abdomen, then the legs. The back is bathed after 
the wet blanket is entirely removed. Keep the patient 
well covered after the treatment, to avoid chilling. 

The Enema 

Most people know something about the use of the 
enema, or rectal injection, but there are a few sugges- 
tions that may prove of value in the proper adminis- 
tration of this common treatment. First, it is well to 
remember that the enema should not be relied upon 
habitually for moving the bowels. The enema generally 
gives immediate relief, is fairly easy to take, and its use 
may become a habit, when by careful bowel training and 
by proper diet it may be needed less frequently and 
possibly dispensed with altogether. 

The hot enema is valuable for the relief of pain in 
the lower bowel, in diarrhea and dysentery, for irrita- 
tion or pain in the rectum, and in case of much gas in 
the bowels. The temperature should range from 103° 



Home Treatments 107 

to 110°. It is always well to follow a hot enema with 
a small injection of cool water, to restore the tone of 
the bowel tissues. 

The temperature of the ordinary enema, given for 
cleansing purposes, ranges from 95° to 100°. A hot or 
a cold enema is more effective for stimulating bowel 
movement. The warm enema is used when it is neces- 
sary to inject a quantity of water. The addition of two 




Fig. 7. Giving the Enema 

and a quarter teaspoonfuls of common salt to two pints 
of water will help to prevent griping, and the addition 
of soapsuds will make the enema more effective for 
cleansing purposes. Only the purest soap should be used 
— as Castile. Frothy soapsuds contains air, which 
should not be injected into the bowel. When soap is 
used, an enema of plain water should follow. 

The knee-chest position (patient on knees, with chest 
nearly level with knees) will facilitate the flow of water 
to the highest point possible in the bowel. Another 
favorable position is lying on the left side, knees well 
flexed (Fig. 7). The enema can or fountain syringe 



108 Epidemics: How to Meet Them 

bag should be hung from two to three feet higher than 
the patient; that is, the fall of water should be about 
that much. If it is hung too high, the flow will be too 
strong. Care should be taken not to inject air into the 
bowel, as that would cause cramping. The first tube- 
length of water will be cool, and there may be air in 
the tube ; this cool aerated water should be run off before 
inserting the hard rubber rectal tube. 

The desire to relieve the bowel because of the peris- 
taltic pains caused by the injection of the water, may 
be overcome by pinching the rubber tube to stop the 
flow. The desire to evacuate will soon pass away, and 
more water can be injected. By proceeding carefully 
and slowly, a large quantity of water may thus be given 
to persons who think themselves unable to retain any 
considerable amount. Withdraw the tube carefully. If 
it is desired to retain the water for a time, the pres- 
sure of a towel against the anus will be helpful. 

Here is a point not generally observed: The warm 
water introduced into the bowel dissolves the retained 
mass of matter, and when in solution, the poisons are 
readily absorbed; hence the necessity of securing a 
thorough cleansing of the bowel; otherwise the enema 
will be productive of headache or other unpleasant ef- 
fects. Repeated injections may be necessary in order 
to secure a thorough cleansing. The warm water will 
relax the bowel tissues, and therefore it should be fol- 
lowed by a small cool enema at a temperature of 65° 
or 70°. 

The cool enema is sometimes used to reduce fever. 
When given for this purpose, the water should be re- 
tained as long as possible, the temperature ranging from 
70° to 80°. If given colder, it will be retained with 
more difficulty, because of the stimulating effect of the 
cold. 



Home Treatments 
The Foot Bath 



109 



The hot foot bath is a very useful treatment. It is 
valuable in breaking up a cold, in relieving headache, 
in dispelling chilliness, and is sometimes effective in in- 
somnia, by drawing the blood from the head to the ex- 
tremities. The foot bath may be given in bed, in which 
case the bed should be properly protected with news- 




Figr. 8. Foot Bath in Bed 

papers, a piece of oilcloth, or a rubber sheet. A cover- 
ing should be thrown over the knees and legs during 
the treatment. The vessel used should be deep, and 
large enough to hold both feet comfortably, the water 
extending at least to the ankles (Fig. 8). 

The patient may sit in a chair, in which case a cov- 
ering should be thrown over and around the legs and 
foot tub to protect the patient from chilling (Fig. 9). 

The temperature of the foot bath should be about 
100°, and may be raised as high as can be borne, by 
gradually adding hot water. The bath may be continued 



110 



Epidemics: Hotv to Meet Them 



as long as thirty minutes. If for more than five minutes, 
apply a cold towel to the head or neck, or both. 

On being removed from the bath, the feet should be 




Fig. 9. Foot Bath Sitting in Chair 

cooled by a short application of cold water, and then 
thoroughly dried, care being taken to dry well between 
the toes. 

The Hot Leg Bath 
This is given much the same as the foot bath, ex- 
cept that the receptacle is deeper, the water reach- 



Home Treatments 



111 



ing well up to the knees. In the absence of anything 
better, a wash boiler may be used. The patient is 
seated, and should be well covered. A stool two or three 
inches higher than the bath receptacle is the most con- 
venient seat. A towel placed over the edge of the tub 




Fig. 10. For the Home Sitz Bath 

under the knees is desirable. Begin with a temperature 
of about 105°, and gradually raise it as high as the 
patient will bear. 

The Sitz Bath 

The hot sitz bath is excellent for the relief of local 
inflammation ; for pelvic, rectal, or abdominal pains ; and 
to overcome the retention of urine. It may also be 
given to produce perspiration. 

In the home where a regular sitz tub is not available, 
an ordinary washtub can be used, one side being raised 
a few inches by a block of wood (Fig. 10). A pail of hot 



112 



Epidemics: How to Meet Them 



water, or better yet, a foot tub, for the feet should be 
provided, and the towel should be placed over the edge 
of the tub to protect the knees from contact with the 
wood or metal. Another towel should be placed over 
the edge of the tub at the back of the patient, so he 
can lean back without coming in contact with the tub. 
A basin of cold water should be provided for giving 




Fig. 11. In the Sitz Bath 

cold applications to the head, if the sitz bath is pro- 
longed. 

When the sitz bath is given to produce perspiration, 
water at a temperature of about 100° is put in the tub, 
and after the patient has been seated in it a few minutes, 
hotter water is carefully added until the temperature is 
as high as the patient will bear. A blanket or comfort, 
or a sheet, merely, if the room temperature is warm 
enough, should be drawn about the patient, including tub 
and pail (Fig. 11); A cold wet towel should be kept on 
the head. Hot water drinking will facilitate sweating. 
The bath may be prolonged from ten to thirty minutes, 



Home Treatments 



113 



but should be stopped whenever the patient complains 
of faintness, especially if acqompanied by shortness of 
breath. Conclude the bath by adding cold water. In 
order to do this, it may be necessary to remove some of 
the hot water from the tub. 




Fig. 12. The Sponge Bath 

The patient should be properly cooled and carefully 
dried, being at all times protected from drafts and from 
chilling. 

The Sponge Bath 

The cool sponge bath is a valuable means of reduc- 
ing fever. A sponge is not necessary, and in fact, is 
not very frequently used. The water may be applied 
with the bare hand or with a cloth. When given to 
reduce body temperature, the water should be about 60° 
or lower. The sponge bath nearly always follows any 
general bed treatment that causes perspiration. 



114 Epidemics: How to Meet Them 

To give a sponge bath, provide a basin of water and 
several towels. The patient is wholly undressed, but 
covered with the bed clothing. Only a part of the body 
is treated at a time. Towels are placed so as to protect 
the bed. An arm is exposed and the cold water applied 
its full length, and then dried (Fig. 12). Bathe the 
other arm, then the chest and abdomen; next the legs, 
one at a time; and then the back. The whole procedure 
can be done without dampening the bed in the least, 
and the patient is left quite comfortable. If a sponge 
bath is given for the reduction of fever, the bath is 
prolonged twenty or thirty minutes, and may be repeated 
several times during the day, or as frequently as seems 
necessary, care being exercised not to weary the patient 
or to create nervousness. 

The Heating Compress 

This is a compress consisting of several layers of 
cheesecloth or toweling, wrung out of cold water, and 
covered with a dry cloth, or better yet, a piece of rub- 
ber cloth or even common oilcloth. The compress should 
be left on till it begins to get warm, when it should 
again be cooled. 

Hot Water Bottles and Their Care 

The hot water bottle is an article much used in giv- 
ing home treatments, and its use is quite familiar to 
most persons. Nevertheless some caution is in place in 
regard to it, as severe burns are sometimes caused by 
lack of proper care. 

The bottle should be only partly filled, and never 
with water hot enough to scald, should the bottle burst. 
Indeed, the bottle itself may be ruined if the water is 
too hot. A simple way of filling the bottle is to place 
it flat on the table, neck raised, and pour in water which 
is hot but not boiling, until it is about half or three 



Home Treatments 



115 



quarters full, allowing the air to escape and the water 
to come to the neck of the bottle before screwing in the 
stopper (Fig. 13). This will leave the bottle pliable, so 
that it will fit readily any part of the body to which it 

is applied. It is well to 
test the temperature of 
the bottle by holding it 
against the cheek, neck, 
or arm. 

The water bottle 
should always be covered 
either with a covering 
made especially for it, or 
with a towel or other 
cloth. Flannel makes a 
good covering. 

Special care should be 
exercised in using a 
water bottle on a person 
who is liable to become 
unconscious, or who is 
unable to protect himself 
against burning. When 
used for general warmth 
of the body, it is best to 
place the bottle at the 
bottom of the feet, between the thighs, or at the spine. 
The use of a hot water bottle over a fomentation 
cloth intensifies and prolongs the heat of the fomenta- 
tion. The caution against burning the patient with the 
water bottle is especially applicable when using moist 
cloths with it, even though the bottle does not seem hot 
enough to burn. Moisture increases the liability to 
burning. 

When not in use, the bottle should be hung with the 
stopper out and the opening down, so it may drain. 




Fig. 13. Filling the Hot Water Bottle 




Health is the richest possession that mortal can have. 



IN THE SICK-ROOM 

In many cases the care of the sick falls to the woman 
in the home. During an epidemic there is always a 
shortage in the supply of trained nurses, and the need 
of others' being prepared to do some of the simpler du- 
ties of the sick-room is greatly emphasized. 

This chapter is designed, therefore, to give helpful 
hints to any who may need them. 

Remember that what may seem trifles are matters of 
importance when it comes to dealing with the sick, 
where perhaps a very little thing may mean the turning- 
point in a critical case. 

Choice of Room 

If a choice is possible in the selection of the sick- 
room, choose a quiet one on the sunny side of the house 
and near the bathroom. If for a contagious disease, it 
should be an upper room and one easily isolated from 
the rest of the house. Have no unnecessary furniture 

117 



118 Epidemics: How to Meet Them 

or hangings, which simply make that much more to keep 
clean and free from dust. Dust is a carrier of disease 
germs. It should be taken up with a damp cloth, not 
scattered about by mere " dusting." In sweeping, pin a 
damp cloth over the broom. 

Ventilation 

If all well people need pure air, much more do the 
sick. Proper ventilation of the sick-room is of the ut- 
most importance. If there is a fireplace in the room, 
the impure air may be directed upward by building a 
small fire or by placing in it a lighted lamp or candle. 
If the room contains two windows, lower one from the 
top and raise the other from the bottom, but protect 
the patient from all drafts. The bed should not be placed 
between the inlet and outlet of air. A screen, if neces- 
sary, before the bed will afford protection. A simple 
method of letting in fresh air is to place a board three 
to six inches wide under the lower sash, allowing the air 
current to enter between the two sashes in the middle 
of the window. This brings the fresh air from above 
and avoids a draft. 

Remember that cold air is not necessarily fresh air. 
Indirect ventilation may sometimes be secured by let- 
ting the fresh air into an adjoining warm room first. 
Oil or gas heaters, lighted gas jets, or lamps use up 
oxygen, making necessary more fresh air for the patient 
and attendant. All discharges should be removed from 
the room promptly, as they pollute the air. 

Ordinarily the room temperature should be 65° F., 
and from that up to 70° or possibly 75°. Persons with 
poor circulation need the warmer temperature. Persons 
with pneumonia and with some forms of fever do better 
with the lower temperature, the influence of the cold 
itself being beneficial. Regulate the heat by a ther- 
mometer. 



In the Sick-Room 119 

The Bed 

A narrow, high iron bed is the best. Comfortable 
springs and a good mattress are important. Blankets 
are preferred for covering, being light, warm, and wash- 
able. Spreads should be light ; a clean sheet will do. To 
be comfortable, a bed must be smooth, and for this rea- 
son the lower sheet must be large enough to permit of 
its being drawn taut and tucked in well under the mat- 
tress at top, bottom, and sides. If there is any danger 
of soiling the bed, use a rubber sheet, either under the 
lower sheet or between it and the drawsheet. Oilcloth 
or newspapers may be used. Wrinkles should always 
be avoided. 

The drawsheet is a narrow sheet, single or double, 
placed across the bed under the patient's hips. It should 
be a yard longer than the width of the bed, permitting 
it to be drawn to one side or the other, thus affording a 
cool and smooth place for the patient to lie on without 
remaking the whole bed. It also prevents soiling the 
rest of the bed. The drawsheet should be of a firmer 
material than the ordinary sheets, so it will not wrinkle 
easily. 

Do not allow a heavy weight of bedding to rest on 
the patient's chest; bring the surplus to the foot of the 
bed. Neither should the covers be tucked in so tightly 
that an unpleasant weight or pull is felt by the patient. 

A straight-backed chair, placed so that the back of 
the chair supports the patient's shoulders and back, will 
serve as a bed rest if the patient is able to be raised in 
bed. Place a pillow lengthwise at the small of the back 
and one crosswise higher up, for the head and shoulders. 
A cushion at the foot of the bed will prevent the patient 
from slipping down. To rest the legs or to relax the 
abdominal muscles, a rolled comfort or pillow may be 
placed under the knees. 



120 Epidemics: How to Meet Them 

Changing the Bedding 

When making me bed, have everything at hand. See 
that the room is warm enough for the patient's comfort. 
Do not fold or unfold linen nor beat up the pillows over 
the patient's face. Avoid jerking the bed or jarring it. 
Never lean against or sit on the bed. 

The bed clothing should be changed with as little dis- 
turbance as possible to the patient. To change sheets, 
turn the patient on his side; roll the soiled sheet up 
tightly against the patient's back, keeping the soiled 
portion within the roll ; place the fresh sheet on, tucking 
in the side nearest you; roll the rest of the clean sheet 
against the soiled sheet; turn the patient back over the 
two rolls ; remove the soiled sheet, and finish placing the 
clean sheet. 

Changing Garments 

To remove the patient's shirt or gown, unfasten, 
bring up well under shoulders, remove one sleeve, slip 
over the head, and remove the other sleeve. If one side 
of the patient is paralyzed or injured, begin with the 
sound arm. 

To put on a garment, reverse the proceedings, begin- 
ning with the injured side. Make the sleeve operation 
short by gathering the sleeve together from wristband 
to armhole, then slipping the whole sleeve on at once. 
A convenient gown for a chronic or helpless patient is 
one open at the back and fastened with tapes. 

Bedsores 

A bedsore is considered a mark of poor nursing. 
Keep the bed clean, free from wrinkles and crumbs, and 
perfectly dry. Change the position of the patient fre- 
quently, as bedsores are caused by too long pressure on 
any one spot, which cuts off the circulation. Bedsores 
occur at the bony prominences, such as the lower part 
of the spine, the hips, shoulder blades, heels, elbows, 



In the Sick-Room 121 

and even on the head. Bathe the parts with alcohol, 
vinegar, or lemon juice to harden the skin. Dusting 
with talcum, boric powder, bismuth, cornstarch, or 
borax, is beneficial. Bathe the parts twice a day with 
warm water and soap, and always dry thoroughly. Very 
thin persons are especially subject to bedsores. If one 
forms, use a bed ring or pad of cotton to remove the 
pressure, and paint the sore part with white of egg if 
collodion is not available; or dress with oxide of zinc 
ointment. 

Care of the Patient 

The hair should be combed or brushed every day. Do 
a woman's hair up in two braids, one on either side. 
This prevents tangling and gets it out of the way, while 
if it is done up in a knot <*i the back of the head, it 
makes an uncomfortable lump to lie on. If the hair is 
matted through neglect, comb out a little at a time, be- 
ginning at the ends. Rubbing in vaseline or sweet oil' 
will help in untangling it. 

The mouth, always a possible entrance to the body 
for disease germs, should have special care during sick- 
ness. Brush the teeth at least three times a day. Arti- 
ficial teeth should be removed and washed after each 
feeding. Bits of absorbent cotton or squares of gauze, 
on toothpicks or other small sticks, may be used with a 
mouth wash to cleanse the mouth, giving attention to the 
gums, tongue, roof, and every corner. Listerine and 
water, boracic acid and water, six or eight drops of pure 
alcohol in half a glass of water, or limewater with a 
few drops of rose water, make suitable mouth washes. 

In giving the bedpan, avoid hitting the patient. Pass 
one hand under the patient and help him to raise the 
hips a little; slip the pan under, allowing it to rub on 
your hand instead of on the patient's back. Help the 
patient, if necessary, to rise, and remove pan without 



122 Epidemics: How to Meet Them 

dragging it. Cover pan and remove from the room at 
once. If anything very unusual is seen in the condition 
of the discharges, make a note of it, and report to the 
attending physician. It may be advisable to save the 
specimen for his inspection. - 

Feeding the Patient 

The question of diet for the sick is too large to con- 
sider in full here. Every one should study diet princi- 
ples in general, becoming intelligent as to the body's 
nutritional needs, both in health and in disease, as well 
as to food values. These principles may be understood 
by the average person, and when practised will go a 
long way toward preventing disease. 

While a knowledge of £iet principles is necessary to 
the intelligent feeding of the sick, a few general points 
may here be stated. Usually if the invalid has any ap- 
petite at all, it is poor and " finicky.'' The digestive 
powers are weak, especially in acute fever, and prac- 
tically absent in severe fever cases. The list of permis- 
sible foods is generally limited. Sometimes the patient 
craves forbidden things. All this makes it especially im- 
portant that the food be prepared and served with care. 
Attention to details in serving food means much. Have 
everything clean, — food, dishes, napkin, and tray, as 
well as the hands of both nurse and patient. Tidy up 
the room before serving the tray, having it as pleasant 
as possible. Make the taking of food an enjoyable event, 
something to be anticipated with pleasure. 

The Serving 

Dainty serving will encourage eating. Avoid elabo- 
rate garnishings or " fixings." A sprig of parsley or 
watercress or a lettuce leaf will make a suitable garnish. 
A spray of maidenhair fern, or one or two flowers of 
a simple variety, laid on the tray, may be used for deco- 



In the Sick-Room 123 

rating. Use pretty dishes, the best you have; do not 
use cracked or mismatched ones. Avoid use of colors 
in food, flowers, or dishes that do not harmonize. 

Use a tray large enough to admit the food without 
crowding; if necessary, serve a second tray for the des- 
sert. A small tray is best when serving a drink or only 
one or two articles. Serve too little rather than too 
much food; you can get a second serving if needed, of 
any article the patient wants. Allow the patient plenty 
of time to eat, and insist on his chewing the solid food 
well. Use a napkin, not a towel, for wiping the pa- 
tient's mouth. 

The Food 

Try always to serve fresh foods and those of best 
quality, avoiding if possible using warmed-over food. 
Serve cold foods cold and hot foods hot, not lukewarm. 
In diarrhea and most stomach disorders extreme tem- 
peratures of food should be avoided. Be regular and 
punctual. Allow time for needed rest to the stomach, 
but do not let the patient get weak for want of food, or 
wait so long as to lose his appetite. Keep in mind the 
meal hour when preparing food, so it will not have to 
stand long before being served and thus become cold or 
unpalatable. 

Prepare foods simply, using very little salt, no spices, 
seasonings, or strong flavorings. Fried foods are not 
desirable, and in general fats should be used sparingly. 
Remove grease from soups or broths. Never serve 
melted butter. Avoid rich gravies and sauces. In gen- 
eral, sugar should be used sparingly in sickness. 

Diet in Fever 

In acute fever there is a rise of temperature, pros- 
tration, increased tissue waste, loss of appetite, and 
deranged digestion and assimilation. In preparing the 
food, all this should be taken into account. Food in 



124 Epidemics: How to Meet Them 

liquid form is most suitable, as it is more readily ab- 
sorbed, gives the most nourishment for the least tax on 
the digestive powers, supplies water which helps to dilute 
the poisons of the body, and adds a minimum of waste 
for elimination. 

In fever the food should be given in small amounts 
and frequently, every two or three hours. Where the 
temperature goes up and down, it is best to give most 
nourishment when it is down, digestion and assimilation 
being better then. Abundance of water should be given 
throughout, to replace the loss of body fluid and to help 
elimination. 

Milk is a valuable food in fever, when it can be taken. 
It should be swallowed in sips. Buttermilk is nearly al- 
ways permissible. Gruels and broths may be given, but 
some broths are little more than flavored water and con- 
tain but little nourishment. Albumin water, the white 
of egg stirred in water, unsweetened fruit juices, orange 
juice, ripe grapes, free from skins and seeds, strained 
rice water, barley water, and cream may be used in 
fever. 

The Daily Record 

A daily record should be kept for the benefit of the 
attending physician. This record should give the pulse 
rate, temperature, respiration, the frequency and char- 
acter of urination and stools, the amount and kind of 
nourishment and when given, medicines, treatments, 
amount and character of sleep, pain, symptoms, etc. 

The Temperature 

The temperature is taken by placing a clinical ther- 
mometer which has been shaken down until it registers 
97° or lower, in the mouth, the bulb under the side of 
the tongue rather far back. The mouth should be kept 
closed three minutes. Be sure that neither hot nor cold 
drinks have been taken within fifteen minutes and that 



In the Sick-Room 



125 



the patient is not a mouth-breather. If for any reason 
the temperature cannot be taken by mouth, it may be 
taken in the groin, with the thigh flexed ; or in the arm- 
pit with the arm pressed down and well covered; or in 
the rectum. At least five minutes should be allowed for 
the thermometer to register. 

The normal mouth temperature is 98.6° ; it will be 
lower than this in the armpit, and higher in the rectum. 

The Pulse 

Take the pulse at the radial artery on the thumb side 
of the wrist by placing the first two fingers on the inside 




Taking the Pulse 

surface just below the root of the thumb and next to 
the tendon which goes to the thumb. The normal pulse 
ranges from 70 to 80 beats a minute. It is more rapid 
in the very young; slower in the aged. 

The Respiration 

The respiration should run about 18 to 20 a minute, 
and should be taken by watching the chest rise and fall 
at a time when the patient is not aware of it. 



126 



Epidemics: Hoiv to Meet Them 



Ready for Night 

In getting ready for the night see that the hands and 
face are washed, the hair tidied, and the bed made free 
from crumbs and wrinkles. Rub the back and smooth 
the gown under the back. Place a fresh pillow, see that 
the call bell is at hand, adjust the window and shades, 
and set plants and flowers outside. Attention to these 
little things will do very much toward giving the patient 
a comfortable, restful night. 




THE LAWS OF HEALTH 

In this little book we have been able to consider 
briefly only a few of the common diseases and their 
prevention and treatment. There are many ways of 
being sick, but the essentials of health are compara- 
tively few. If one would keep well and maintain effi- 
ciency for life's service, he should study the general 
principles of health and apply them intelligently to 
himself. 

The laws of health are natural laws. These laws are 
established by the Creator, in whom we live and move 
and have our being. The medical world recognizes that 
the real source of health is outside medicinal treatment ; 
that health is subject to laws, with which physicians and 
patients may co-operate, but which they are unable to 
control. One should do his utmost to conform to the 
laws of health. Violation of these laws often brings 
swift retribution upon the offender. 

In general, the essentials of health are pure air, pure 
water, sunlight, wholesome food, proper clothing, exer- 
cise, and rest. In making use of these essentials, we 
must apply intelligently the principles of ventilation, 
sanitation, cleanliness, disinfection, cookery, dress, rec- 
reation, and other demands of rational hygiene. 

Speaking of healing as the result of co-operation with 
the laws of nature, brings us directly to the fountain 
of all life, the God of nature; for nature's laws are all 
established by Him and are under His control. It is 
His will that people should have health, and He gives 
freely of those things that contribute to health. When 
we have become sick through the transgression of na- 
ture's laws, we should change our habits of living to 
bring them into conformity with the natural laws God 
has established ; then we may come with confidence to the 

127 



128 Epidemics: How to Meet Them 

Author of life for healing. Though we may not always 
acknowledge God as the healer, He is really the only 
one who can heal. Doctors, nurses, remedies, and cura- 
tives are only agencies in bringing to the diseased body 
the divine power of healing. 

We may go farther, and say that physical healing is 
only a part of the restorative work which it is the priv- 
ilege of every individual to know. In the Bible sense, 
true healing includes the healing of the soul as well as 
of the body. Complete healing covers the spiritual as 
well as the physical being. Jesus in His ministry among 
men connected closely His work for the souls of men 
with that for the body. In like manner, God would now 
bless the sick, not only with recovery of physical health, 
but also with soul salvation. The two go naturally to- 
gether, and both are attainable if men will lay hold of 
them by faith. 

" Bless the Lord, O my soul : and all that is within me, bless 
His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all 
His benefits: who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all 
thy diseases; who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who 
crowneth thee with loving-kindness and tender mercies; who satis- 
fieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed 
like the eagle's." Ps. 103: 1-5. 

" Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper 
and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." 3 John 2. 

"When the even was come, they brought unto Him many 
that were possessed with devils: and He cast out the spirits with 
His word, and healed all that were sick: that it might be ful- 
filled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself 
took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses." Matt. 8: 16, 17. 



World's Crisis Series 

Current Numbers 



OE 



ao 



Epidemics: How to Meet Them. 
World Peace in the Light of Bible 
Prophecy. 

His Glorious Appearing: An Exposition of 

Matthew 24. 
Our Paradise Home. 
The Other Side of Death. 
The Shadow of the Bottle. 
Spiritualism vs. Christianity. 

The Christian Sabbath: Is It Saturday or 
Sunday? 

The Food Question: Health and Economy. 

World Destiny. 

Bible Prophecy Unfolding. 

128 and 96 pages, well illustrated. 



Price, 25 cents each 



REVIEW AND HERALD PUB. ASSN. 

Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. 
South Bend, Ind. New York City. 




OUR BABY 



Only a tender flower, 

Sent us to rear; 
Only a life to love 

While we are here ; 
Only a baby small, 

Never at re£t; 
Small, but how dear to us, 

God knoweth be£t. 



M. Barr. 



If 

m 

i 




* ^ 



LB D '19 



